<p>Not all apartment amenities are immediately visible.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Online shopping has been one of the biggest drivers of that shift.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>For apartment residents, however, receiving those deliveries isn't always straightforward.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Australia Post's Parcel Locker network is one response to that shift.</p>

<p><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></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>That growing presence reflects a broader change in how apartment buildings are being planned.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>For buyers comparing apartments, these everyday details are becoming part of the decision-making process.</p>

<p>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.</p>


Joel Robinson

Parcel delivery is joining the apartment amenity checklist

<p data-end="471" data-start="164">Inca Property Group has lodged a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for Dawn, a 53-apartment oceanfront development overlooking Mona Vale Beach.</p>

<p data-end="777" data-start="473">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.</p>

<p data-end="976" data-start="779">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.</p>

<p data-end="1119" data-start="978"><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.</p>

<p data-end="1399" data-start="1121">"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.</p>

<p data-end="1399" data-start="1121">"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."</p>

<p data-end="1605" data-start="1401">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.</p>

<p data-end="1852" data-start="1607">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.</p>

<p data-end="1852" data-start="1607"><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" /></p>

<p data-end="2031" data-start="1854">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.</p>

<p data-end="2299" data-start="2033">"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.</p>

<p data-end="2588" data-start="2301">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.</p>

<p data-end="4143" data-start="3991">Construction will be undertaken by Inca's in-house construction arm, GOP Constructions.</p>

<p data-end="593" data-start="417">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.</p>

<p data-end="789" data-start="598">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.</p>

<p data-end="1053" data-start="794">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.</p>

<p data-end="4143" data-start="3991"><em>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></em></p>

<p data-end="4143" data-start="3991"><em>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></em></p>


First look: Inca eyes Mona Vale with State Significant DA for Dawn apartments

<p>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;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>"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;</p>

<p>"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;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365782]</p>

<p>Kutner said it was clear there was still high demand for luxury projects that offered certainty of delivery.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“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;</p>

<p>"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;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365785]</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365767]</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>Kutner said buyer demand had been broad based with purchasers attracted from interstate as well as throughout South East Queensland.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"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;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365771]</p>

<p>Kutner said the sales milestone was an important achievement, but the focus remained firmly on delivering an exceptional development.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"While reaching $400 million in sales is an important milestone, our priority remains delivering a project that exceeds purchaser expectations,” he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"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;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108274]</p>


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

<p>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>.</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=368000]</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>“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;</p>

<p>“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.</p>

<p>“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;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=367993]</p>

<p>BINAH’s Managing Director, Khalil Hafza, said the company was proud to be partnering with Goldfields to deliver Quartet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“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;</p>

<p>“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;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=367999]</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><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;</p>

<p>“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;</p>

<p>“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;</p>

<p>Construction of Quartet will commence in July 2026, with completion anticipated in Q4 2028.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108736]</p>


Construction to commence on 131-residence tower designed around wellness-focused living

Goldfields appoints BINAH for Quartet apartments in Milton

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=151233 project_image_fid=375378]</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>"The level of early commitment reflects the confidence local buyers have in the Hutt Street precinct," Dendrinos said.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>"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."</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=151233 project_image_fid=375379]</p>

<p>Otello Director Daniel Harris said the sales result also highlighted the lack of new apartment opportunities within the Hutt Street precinct.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>"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."</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Construction is scheduled to commence in the third quarter of this year, with completion anticipated in 2028.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151233]</p>


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

Mining Areas

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<div>Total construction work done declined by 0.7 percent in seasonally adjusted terms to $46.4 billion over the first quarter of the calendar year to be 7.2 percent lower over the year to March 2017. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>After weaker trade and retail figures, all of the signs appear to be pointing to a weak result for GDP growth in the first quarter. </div>
<p><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/05/26/A1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<div class="separator"><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/2017/05/26/A1.jpg" alt=""></div>
<p> </p>
<div>First, here's the good news: having peaked all the way back in 2012, engineering construction activity is now rising again. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>There were still moderate ongoing declines in Western Australia and the Northern Territory as resources construction activity continues to wind down, but the rates of these declines is now tapering off.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>And indeed, at the national level engineering construction activity is rising again, partly driven by infrastructure projects in the three most populous states. </div>
<p><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/05/26/A2.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<div class="separator"><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/2017/05/26/A2.jpg" alt=""></div>
<p> </p>
<div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Dodgy weather...or peak resi?</span></strong></div>
<div> </div>
<div>Residential building work done dropped by 4.7 per cent in the quarter, which was the worst quarterly result for the sector since the introduction of the Goods and Sales Tax (GST) more than a decade and a half ago. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Building activity slowed across new house building, apartments, and major renovations, suggesting that at least part of the reason for the decline was Cyclone Debbie towards the end of the quarter, while Sydney also had some shocking weather during the period. </div>
<p><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/05/26/A3.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<p><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/2017/05/26/A3.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p> </p>
<div>And looking at the building work done figures by state confirms as much, with a very sharp 10 per cent quarterly drop in Queensland, and a somewhat lesser 4 per cent decline in New South Wales. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>In Victoria building activity powered to a new record high in chain volume measures terms, with the industry going like the clappers in Melbourne and operating at close to full capacity. </div>
<p><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/05/26/A4.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<div class="separator"><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/2017/05/26/A4.jpg" alt=""></div>
<p> </p>
<div>New detached house construction has been broadly flat since the end of 2014, with the growth in residential construction since that time driven by record activity levels in the apartments sector.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Here too there was a sharp weather-related 22 per cent fall in Queensland, plus a relatively small decline in New South Wales.<br><br>But there was also a slowdown in evidence in Western Australia, South Australia, the Northern Territory, and Canberra. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>On this evidence, then, it's possible that the peak for apartment construction activity might have passed, although there is of course still a huge pipeline of work to be completed.  <br><br>
</div>
<div>Click to enlarge</div>
<div><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/2017/05/26/A5.jpg" alt=""></div>
<p><br><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The wrap</span></strong></p>
<div> </div>
<div>Firstly, growth in the economy in the first quarter is going to be weak, and perhaps very weak. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>On the positive side there is light at the end of the tunnel for the resources states, as engineering construction activity finally looks to be bottoming out, after years of contraction. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Strip out the impact of Cyclone Debbie and heavy rain in Sydney and the apparently sharp drop in residential construction in the first quarter of the year may prove to be less than dramatic. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>However, it's hard to escape the conclusion that building activity in the residential sector is about to fade away as the record pipeline of apartments is delivered to the market. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>It might reasonably be expected that dwelling starts fall by about a quarter over the next couple of years. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Given the huge level of employment in the construction industry, this could prove to be a very significant drag on the economy going forward. </div>
<p> </p>
<p><em>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>.</em></p>
<p><em>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>.</em></p>
<p><em> </em></p>
<div> </div>
</body></html>

pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

Mining cliff over, what next for the residential market? Pete Wargent

<html><body>
<p>Bowen Basin, after several years of property price reductions, appear to have finally turned the corner.</p>
<p>Just two years ago Bowen Basin landlords were struggling with millions of dollars' worth of unpaid rates amid the mining downturn, forcing local councils to consider repossessing homes.</p>
<p>The Central Highlands Regional Council based at Emerald, west of Rockhampton, was looking to repossess more than a dozen homes to pay down debts.</p>
<p>But this year CoreLogic found that Bowen Basin dwelling values have grown the most of any mainland district - some 14% over the past 12 months.</p>
<p>This ranked the best property price growth of any SA3 mainland region.</p>
<p>Sales this year kicked off when $95,000 was paid for 23 Acacia Street, Blackwater.</p>
<p>It had previously sold for $90,000 in 2009, suggesting prices above their last sale price were possible.</p>
<p><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/12/14/Bowen%201.JPG" alt=""></p>
<p>A clear example of Bowen Basin's changing fortune is 7 Luck Place, Emerald (pictured above).</p>
<p>The three bedroom one bathroom home sold earlier this month for $180,000.</p>
<p>It was a $70,000 increase on it's December 2017 mortgagee sale price of $110,000.</p>
<p>Set on a 751 sqm block, the house has yet to be reach it's 2005 sale price of $215,000.</p>
<p><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/12/14/Bowen%202.JPG" alt=""></p>
<p>Also indicative of the dwelling price growth in Bowen Basin is 1/28 Saville Street, Emerald (pictured above).</p>
<p>The three bedroom two bathroom apartment saw a price increase of $77,000 from it's 2016 mortgagee sale when it sold for $190,000.</p>
<p>Sold most recently for $267,000, the property is still short of it's 2008 sale of <span>$342,500.</span></p>
<p><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/12/13/Top%2050%20growers.JPG" alt=""></p>
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Bowen Basin property prices finally recovering from mining downturn

<html><body>
<p>EXPERT OBSERVATION</p>
<p>The prelude to the mining boom in the years leading up to 2012 saw several Australian regions record spectacular capital gains.</p>
<p>Fueled by a surge in investment, bigger pay packets and generous corporate subsidies for housing costs; housing was scarce and demand from cashed-up workers and investors was strong. Then came the downside of the mining-related property boom in 2012/13 which was even more spectacular than the upswing.</p>
<p>However, recent analysis shows that values have now steadied and rents are rising, providing some of the highest rental yields across the country.</p>
<p>The Pilbara region of Western Australia was booming on the back of iron ore and the Bowen Basin of Queensland was thriving thanks to coal prices.</p>
<p>The Karratha council area (called Roebourne until 2014), which is a good benchmark for the Pilbara mining region, saw housing values rocket 87% higher over the five years preceding the market peak in 2012, while the Isaac Regional Council, which covers a broad swathe of Queensland’s Bowen Basin, saw house values climb 72% higher over the five years preceding the 2012 peak.</p>
<p>Since conditions peaked in line with commodity prices and a wind down in infrastructure spending, dwelling values in these regions have moved through a long and deep downturn. Some suburbs have seen the median value of a house fall by more than 80% (WA’s Newman is down 84.2% since peaking and Queensland’s Dysart is down 83.0% since peaking).</p>
<p>Although the recent trends can show some volatility due to low transaction numbers, many of the these mining regions have started to see housing conditions bottom out and commence what is likely to be a drawn out period of recovery.</p>
<p>Most regions are showing housing values that are well below levels recorded 10 years ago, which may be attractive to home buyers and investors. Rental vacancies have tightened substantially which is driving up rents, in fact some of the Bowen Basin towns have seen asking rents rise by more than 20% over the past 12 months.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/10/12/mining%20town%201.jpg" target="_blank">Click here to enlarge:</a></p>
<p><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/2018/10/12/mining%20town%201.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>Higher rents against low housing values is driving rental yields higher, with most of the towns likely to be providing a positive cash flow from the outset. Gross yields are typically above 6% in these regions.</p>
<p>Of course, a note of caution always needs to accompany anyone considering a property purchase in these regions. The economies of a mining region are inherently shallow; asset values are highly dependent on the price of the commodity that lies under the dirt and the willingness of the private sector to invest capital in extracting it.</p>
<p>Government policies can disrupt conditions, as can company policies around worker accommodation, fluctuations in the Australian dollar and appetite for trade with key trading partners.</p>
<p>Investing in these areas is high risk and investors should expect a high rental return to compensate for that risk.</p>
<p>The RBA, based on spot prices, reported bulk commodity prices are 16.5% higher over the year in Australian dollar terms. If coal and iron ore prices remain elevated against a lower Australian dollar, we could see mining infrastructure investment gather some pace.</p>
<p>Investment in minerals exploration has been consistently rising since mid-2016, rising to the highest level since December 2013, which bodes well for further infrastructure investment across the mining sector. If that does eventuate, there should be positive flow on effects for these mining regions.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/10/12/mining%20town%202.jpg" target="_blank">Click here to enlarge:</a></p>
<p> <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/2018/10/12/mining%20town%202.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p><em><strong>Tim Lawless</strong> is CoreLogic's head of research.</em></p>
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Mining town rents are delivering some of country's highest rental yields: CoreLogic's Tim Lawless

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<p>New research has found that property prices halved in many mining regions over the past decade.</p>
<p>Property Investment Professionals of Australia (PIPA) chairman Peter Koulizos is currently reviewing research he undertook for a book that was published in 2008.</p>
<p>As part of the new research, however, Koulizos used CoreLogic data to calculate the best and worst performing areas over the past 10 years and found a clear front – runner for bottom of the pile – mining locations.</p>
<p><em><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/9/11/mining%20property.jpg" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge:</em></p>
<p><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/2018/9/11/mining%20property.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p><em>Souce: PIPA</em></p>
<p>“What this data shows us is that if you had bought property in one of these towns, not only did your property not increase in value over this 10-year period, but it is actually worth less,” Koulizos said.</p>
<p>“West Australia – which benefited the most from the mining boom – has also suffered the most from the mining bust.</p>
<p>“There is a very long list of underperforming mining towns in WA, but the worst is South Hedland, a suburb in Port Hedland, where house prices fell a whopping 74.8%.</p>
<p>“Newman came in a close second to South Hedland, where the median house price was $501,000 in 2008 and now it is only $147,000.”</p>
<p>Queensland mining towns and suburbs within those towns have also suffered, according to the data.</p>
<p>Gladstone was promoted by many property spruikers and it’s clear they have seriously come unstuck, Koulizos said.</p>
<p>“South Gladstone house prices fell by 31.7% and West Gladstone house prices fell by 47.6% over that time period,” he said.</p>
<p>“However, these two suburbs are not the worst performers. Property prices in the mining town of Dysart fell a whopping 77.4%, while at the same time Brisbane house prices increased by 24%.”</p>
<p>House prices in the mining town of Roxby Downs in South Australia fell by 36%, according to the data, plus sales have fallen from 140 in 2008 to just 51 in 2018.</p>
<p>“It’s important to understand that buying property outside of capital cities still makes financial sense. In fact, there are many regional and country areas that are deserving of your investment dollars,” Koulizos said.</p>
<p>“The moral of the story is that successful property investment is about long-term economic fundamentals, not supposed short-term financial gains.</p>
<p>“And that usually means investing in locations with diverse, multi-faceted economies, not areas that financially ebb and flow depending on the strength – or weakness – of a single industry.”</p>
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Mining property prices have dramatically dropped over past decade: PIPA

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<p>Non-performing housing loans for lenders have edged up over recent years, though they are still low as a share of all housing loans, says the RBA.</p>
<p>The central bank’s Assistant Governor Christopher Kent made these remarks during a speech at Moody's Analytics Australia Conference 2017.</p>
<p>However, at around ¾ of one per cent as a share of all housing loans, non-performing loans remain low and below the levels reached following the global financial crisis, he said.</p>
<p><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/08/15/RBAfig1.png" alt=""></p>
<p>The RBA official said that the Securitisation Dataset helps the central bank to assess how loans are performing across different parts of the country by examining arrears rates. </p>
<p>Like non-performing loans, the arrears rates have increased a little but remain low, he observed.</p>
<p>The rise has been more in regions experiencing weak economic conditions over recent years, in particular, Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland since late 2015.</p>
<p class="p1">Earlier this year, the central bank noted that conditions had generally improved for businesses in the resource-related sector.</p>
<p><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/08/15/RBAfig2.png" alt=""></p>
<p>Using the Securitisation Dataset, the bank also found other relationships between arrears and other factors. </p>
<p>A key factor contributing to a borrower entering into arrears is a reduction in income, most obviously via a period of unemployment. </p>
<p>“We find that there is a positive relationship between arrears rates and the unemployment rate across regions (Graph 9).</p>
<p><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/08/15/RBAfig3.png" alt=""></p>
<p>“However, the relationship is not especially strong, which suggests that other factors are at play.” </p>
<p>For example, arrears rates are higher in mining-exposed regions, which have generally experienced a sharp fall in demand in the wake of the end of the mining investment boom. This was indicated by the “pronounced fall in the demand for housing” in those parts of the country as indicated by a decline in housing prices (Graph 10).</p>
<p><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/08/15/RBAfig4.png" alt=""></p>
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