A who's who of Australian surfing, business and entertainment has emerged on title records following the completion of Esprit Rainbow Bay, the latest boutique beachfront apartment development by former professional surfer Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects.

The completed project has attracted an enviable collection of owners, many with long-standing ties to the southern Gold Coast and the surf culture that has helped define Rainbow Bay and neighbouring Kirra for generations.

Given Gedoun's own background in surfing, it perhaps comes as little surprise that some of Australia's most recognisable surfers have chosen to buy into the development overlooking one of the country's most celebrated stretches of coastline.

Pezet Matheson directors Jayde Pezet and Todd Matheson launched the project in late 2021, and have managed the sales campaign all the way through to its sell-out and recent completion.

<img alt="Esprit" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="08fc6261-b84e-4b09-8a44-66d3067fd0d1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-29%20at%208.51.05%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4AOcb6ETZwNUnMPdTtz1B3pZAIB_jgZ2" />

Former world champion Mick Fanning, who grew up in Coolangatta, secured an apartment in 2023. He paid&nbsp;$2.07 million. Last year he sold his Bilinga home for over $16 million.

Three-time world champion Joel Parkinson also purchased in the development, alongside big wave surfer Mark Mathews. Mathews bought the most expensive apartment in the building, spending just over $4 million.

Joining them is Rip Curl founder Doug Warbrick, whose company helped shape Australia's global surfing industry over the past five decades.

The appeal of Rainbow Bay has extended well beyond the surfing community.

International DJ Paul Fisher purchased an apartment through his investment vehicle, YLB Developments, an abbreviation of his trademark phrase "You Little Beauty".

The purchase comes as Fisher and his wife Chloe are developing their own luxury apartment project further north in Palm Beach. Their boutique beachfront development, Pescado, comprises just seven apartments on Jefferson Lane, which start from just shy of $6 million. The couple intend to retain the two-level penthouse as their Australian base between international touring commitments.

Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy and his wife Wendy have also invested in Esprit, purchasing two apartments after spending decades holidaying on the southern Gold Coast. They also have a luxury apartment in Joe Adsett's Rockpool, less than 400m away from Esprit.

<h2>Boutique project draws owner-occupiers</h2>

Esprit launched in 2021 and sold strongly, with buyers drawn to its boutique scale, beachfront position and contemporary design.

The completed development comprises 94 apartments across 11 levels, offering expansive floorplans designed primarily for owner-occupiers rather than the investor market.

Crowning the building is Club Esprit, pitched as being the Gold Coast's first residential rooftop wellness centre. The roof features a&nbsp;25 metre magnesium lap pool, which is surrounded by wet daybeds and poolside cabanas,&nbsp;multiple barbecue areas,&nbsp;a yoga and relaxation play lawn, and a private dining room with a kitchen scullery, bar, lounges, and an outdoor terrace.

The wellness centre is&nbsp;fully equipped with a Technogym, ice bath, infra-red sauna, steam room, thermal room, and treatment room. The roof has views spanning&nbsp;Rainbow Bay, Snapper Rocks and the Pacific Ocean.

<h2>S&amp;S Projects continues to shape Rainbow Bay</h2>

S&amp;S Projects founder Paul Gedoun has become one of the key figures behind Rainbow Bay's evolution over the past several years.

After establishing S&amp;S Projects, Gedoun has focused on delivering lifestyle-driven apartment developments designed primarily for owner-occupiers seeking a permanent coastal home.

Esprit is Gedoun's third completed project in Rainbow Bay, following Flow and Awaken, both of which achieved record prices for the suburb.

He is now delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, a 38-apartment development on Boundary Street that is currently selling, and has no plans to leave the precinct anytime soon. S&amp;S Projects has also lodged plans for its fifth Rainbow Bay development, an 88-apartment project on Boundary Street featuring a strong wellness focus.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">First look: S&amp;S Projects proposes 88-apartment wellness tower at Coolangatta's Boundary Street</a>

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Joel Robinson

Who's who of buyers revealed as Esprit Rainbow Bay settles

Nature Based Cities (NBC), the not-for-profit organisation focused on improving biodiversity and nature outcomes in urban development, has launched its latest industry design guidelines and accreditation framework, this time targeting precinct-scale residential communities.

The move extends NBC’s influence beyond its initial focus on medium and high-density residential developments. Several projects have already achieved NBC accreditation since the launch of its Medium &amp; High-Density Residential Guidelines in early 2025.

The expansion into masterplanned communities and new residential precincts reflects the growing need for stronger nature-positive benchmarks as Australia’s outer suburban growth corridors continue to expand at pace.

Paul Hameister OAM, NBC Founder and the Executive Chairman of Melbourne developer Hamton who itself leans heavily into nature and biodiversity in its developments, says the&nbsp;nature-first approach to mitigate the effects of climate change has become standard in other parts of the world such as the UK, but Australia is lagging.&nbsp;Australia’s environmentally sustainable design (ESD) rating tools have no minimum mandatory requirements for living landscapes.

“We’ve always wanted to do more, and we know other developers who want to do more, but the ESD rating tools just aren’t there,” Hameister says. “In Australia, you can have a five-green-star rated building that’s concrete and glass with not a blade of grass. 
 
“The focus is on reducing emissions, which is laudable, but there hasn’t been enough attention paid to protecting and re-establishing nature. We need both for the health of the environment and for communities.”

He says that having now&nbsp;made good progress in supporting developers of medium and high-density residential projects, NBC is now looking to bolster better nature-based decision-making and recognise developers of greenfield projects in the outer ring and large inner-ring brownfield precincts, who want to champion nature and living landscape as a defining feature.

Since 2022, the not-for-profit has sought to remove the roadblocks preventing developers from incorporating nature and living landscapes into their projects, shifting the conversation from the reduction of emissions and grey infrastructure, toward recognising nature as an essential infrastructure.

The New Communities Design Guidelines and Scorecard arm developers with the tools needed to deliver a nature positive outcome for their new communities. Intended to be adopted at the outset of the planning process, the guidelines are designed to help create communities that are cooler, healthier and more resilient while also enhancing social wellbeing and long-term economic value.&nbsp;

New Communities developers seeking accreditation will be independently assessed across a range of key criteria including ecology, tree canopy, biodiversity, and walkability. Once the masterplan is complete and submitted for approval, the scorecard is formalised based on proposed outcomes. Projects that meet the NBC criteria will receive either Commended or Exemplary accreditation outcomes, creating a clear benchmark for nature-positive new communities in Australia.&nbsp;

Janis Fischer, Director at Tract and NBC Advisory Council member, said the development of new communities in our suburbs can have a substantial impact on nature and biodiversity.

"By incorporating nature-based design principles at the inception of a project, developers and their design teams can achieve nature positive outcomes that are good for both people and the planet.’’&nbsp;

NBC accredited New Community projects will gain access to NBC branding and marketing tools to help communicate their nature-based credentials to purchasers and the broader market.&nbsp;

Nature Based Cities: A new Australian benchmark for developing nature-positive new communities

Apartment buildings are increasingly being designed around how people actually live day to day, not just how they want a building to look.

For buyers, that shift is showing up in practical inclusions that respond to changing habits. Work-from-home spaces, EV charging, wellness amenities, secure bike storage and parcel management are becoming part of the broader apartment conversation, reflecting a move toward buildings that reduce friction in everyday life.

Online shopping has become one of the clearest examples of that change.

Australians spent a record $82.6 billion online in 2025, with nearly one in four retail dollars now spent online. That has made parcel delivery a regular part of apartment living, rather than an occasional inconvenience.

For apartment residents, however, the delivery process can be less straightforward than it is for detached homes. Parcels may be left in lobbies, redirected to Post Offices, missed entirely, or placed under the responsibility of building managers and concierge teams.

That is why secure parcel infrastructure is increasingly being considered alongside more familiar apartment amenities.

<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/-VjjLwoViX0?si=A3k7ws9NX35Uac7_" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Australia Post Parcel Lockers offer one way to address the issue. When a parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS, then collect it using a QR code or one-time PIN. The parcel is kept secure, accessible and removed from common areas.

The broader Parcel Locker network now includes more than 1,500 locations across Australia, positioned at Post Offices, shopping centres, supermarkets, transport hubs and other accessible locations.

For new apartment projects, the relevance is clear. A building’s amenity offering is no longer only about lifestyle spaces, but also about convenience, security and functionality.

As buyer expectations evolve, secure parcel delivery is becoming part of the same design conversation as flexible working, sustainable transport and resident wellbeing.

It is one less thing for residents to worry about, and another example of apartment design adapting to the way Australians now live.

Apartment design is adapting to the way Australians shop

While school holidays and trips to Europe tend to define the winter property market, there's been no cold snap at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-walden-north-sydney-177-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The Walden</a> in North Sydney.

Developer-builder&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aland">ALAND</a> sold more than $35 million worth of apartments throughout June, including a $6.8 million apartment that now ranks among the highest apartment sales ever recorded in North Sydney.

SRM Residential agent Ben Stewart said buyer demand throughout June reflected a mix of improving market confidence and longer-term thinking from owner-occupiers.

"We're seeing strong demand from owner-occupiers who are taking a longer-term view," Stewart said.

"Many recognise the opportunity to secure an apartment in an iconic building and premium location while values remain attractive. They may initially lease the property, but the intention is to eventually move in themselves, rather than purchasing purely as an investment."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=367129]

Located at 177 Walker Street, The Walden will deliver 161 one, two, three and four-bedroom residences across a 30-storey tower designed by Rothelowman. Every apartment occupies a corner position, maximising natural light, cross ventilation and views across Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, Sydney Heads and the northern districts.

Rather than a traditional balcony, the residences feature winter gardens that seamlessly extend the open plan living areas, creating versatile spaces for relaxing or entertaining throughout the year. Floor-to-ceiling glazing draws in natural light while showcasing sweeping views from the building's elevated Walker Street position.

Every apartment features high-end Calacatta marble, bespoke joinery, and fully integrated appliances.

The larger residences have been planned with distinct entertaining and private zones, with many master suites positioned on corners to capture natural light and harbour views. Walk-in dressing rooms, freestanding baths and refined stone finishes reinforce the house-like feel that has resonated with downsizers and owner-occupiers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6393]

Rothelowman Principal Ben Pomroy said the project was designed to make the most of its unique position overlooking the harbour.

"The Walden is a celebration of all things beautiful, curated for those who expect nothing less than exceptional," Pomroy says.

"Meticulously designed entertaining spaces and light-filled living areas that capitalise on capturing the natural beauty of Sydney's iconic harbour."

Residents will also have exclusive access to The Pavilion, a dedicated amenity building featuring a rooftop pool, wellness studio, gymnasium, sauna, concierge service, residents' lounge, private dining spaces and work-from-home facilities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6402]

The project marks ALAND's first major luxury apartment development in Sydney's inner-city market after more than two decades delivering residential communities across Greater Sydney.

Founder and CEO Andrew Hrsto previously said the rarity of the Walker Street site made it an opportunity the company could not overlook.

"This is a rare opportunity to bring a truly exceptional project to life in one of Sydney's most iconic locations, and to showcase our craftsmanship and design expertise at a world-class level," Hrsto said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6383]

The Walden has been introduced to the market at a time when demand for living in North Sydney is at an all-time high. Billions of dollars have been invested in infrastructure, including the recently opened Victoria Cross Metro station, located just 300 metres from The Walden, providing residents with direct access to the Sydney CBD in just minutes.

Private investment has also transformed the area through the arrival of new retail and dining destinations, elevating the lifestyle offering in what was once considered primarily a commercial precinct rather than an aspirational residential address.

The Walden is currently under construction and is scheduled for completion in 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134323]

ALAND records $35 million in sales in North Sydney as The Walden bucks quiet winter selling season

The long-awaited redevelopment of the former Eastlakes Shopping Centre site has reached a major milestone, with Conquest's plans for a new mixed-use precinct officially placed on public exhibition.

The State Significant Development Application would transform the 1.7-hectare site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/19a-evans-avenue-eastlakes-nsw-2018">19A Evans Avenue</a> into one of Sydney's largest urban renewal projects, delivering 736 apartments above a new shopping centre anchored by Woolworths, alongside specialty retail, dining, commercial space and new public open spaces.

The public exhibition marks the next chapter for the project after <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/conquest">Conquest</a> acquired the stalled Stage Two development from Crown Group, who completed the first stage across the road prior to their voluntary liquidation.

<img alt="First look: Conquest unveils plans for 736-home Eastlakes Shopping Centre redevelopment" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5fca22c5-d1ed-4e2c-8801-03f7df1eafc8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/eastland%20podium.png?VersionId=uomwr41nF8CmLUZRDcu3mHQechlbxucS" />

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Designed by DKO Architecture, the proposal comprises four residential buildings ranging from 14 to 18 storeys above a two-level retail podium. The development would deliver 736 apartments, including 74 affordable homes, 215 Build-to-Rent apartments and 521 market residences. Provision has also been made for dual-key apartments, which could increase the total number of dwellings to 877.

At ground level, the shopping centre has been designed as the suburb's new meeting place, anchored by a full-line Woolworths and complemented by a curated mix of fresh food retailers, cafés, restaurants, health services and everyday convenience shopping. Generous pedestrian links and landscaped public spaces will connect the retail precinct through to Jack Mundey Reserve, creating a more walkable and connected neighbourhood.

Conquest CEO Michael Akkawi said the redevelopment was about far more than replacing a shopping centre.

"Eastlakes has been overlooked for too long, and this is the community’s moment. We are building a shopping centre and homes, a genuine heart for the suburb, and we genuinely want locals to help shape it."

"We enrich communities through the creation of homes, places, and experiences designed for life, built to last, and owner for generations. That starts with listening, so we warmly encourage everyone with a connection to Eastlakes to view the plans and share their thoughts."

<img alt="First look: Conquest unveils plans for 736-home Eastlakes Shopping Centre redevelopment" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="22f6fb20-54fb-4bd7-8a92-48fafdd00608" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/eastland.png?VersionId=cugp7s9hrMHGJJdYzkeAkrFoQgnF4GXf" />

DKO said the design had been shaped by the site's landscape setting and surrounding open space.

"Our vision for the site embraces its unique Bidjigal identity by blending the residential living with generous landscaping and a material palette inspired by the Bidjigal locality, and celebrating the panoramic views to Botany Bay and the wetlands reserves."

"Taking cues from Country, we seek to harmonise built form with the landscape and lightly touch the earth. By reconnecting, retaining and regenerating existing ecology, and weaving in natural elements, we can deepen our connection to Country."

The landscape strategy extends across the podium and rooftops, incorporating communal gardens, children's play areas, lawns, community gardens, family gathering spaces and extensive tree planting. New landscaped links will also strengthen the connection between the precinct and Jack Mundey Reserve, while publicly accessible open spaces have been integrated throughout the development.

The proposal builds on Conquest's broader placemaking strategy for the site. Through an ongoing partnership, local artist Joe Rashbrook has been appointed Urban Art Curator, working alongside young residents to transform the project's site hoardings into a public art gallery that allows the community to engage with the redevelopment before construction is complete.

Conquest has rapidly expanded its development pipeline since acquiring the Eastlakes site, with more than $6 billion worth of mixed-use projects now in planning across Sydney, including Stanmore, Castlecrag and Waterloo.

Conquest CEO Michael Akkawi said the redevelopment was about far more than replacing a shopping centre.

First look: ‘Far more than replacing a shopping centre’ as Conquest unveils 736-home Eastlakes redevelopment

Profit Growth

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Lendlease secured strong figures for the FY16, showing a profit after tax of $698.2 million.
Group CEO and managing director Steve McCann suggesting that solid cash generation was a highlight.
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“Solid cash generation was a highlight of the result with operating cash flow representing over 120 per cent of Profit after Tax,” he said.
“Lendlease produced a strong result for the 2016 financial year (FY16) and maintained a disciplined and focused approach to delivering on our strategy.
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The development segment delivered a very strong result across both residential and commercial.
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Residential settlements were up 7 per cent to 4,790 units.
“The high level of residential pre-sales provides good future visibility for earnings," McCann said.
“We settled over 1,200 apartments with non-settlements at less than 1 per cent versus our historical average of closer to 3 per cent.
McCann also sited the contribution of the commercial buildings to the strong figures.
“The forward sale of three major commercial buildings, two at International Quarter London and one at Darling Square in Sydney, has further de-risked our development exposure."
The Australian Construction result was robust with EBITDA margins up by more than 1 percentage point to 3.7 per cent.
The Investments segment, representing 37 per cent of operating EBITDA, continues to deliver solid recurring style earnings.
Below is the Lendlease group financial figures
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Group CFO Tarun Gupta said the FY16 result ensures that Lendlease enters FY17 in a strong financial position. 
“Generating in excess of $850.0 million in operating cash flow while deploying a further $3.0 billion6 into development of projects is a significant achievement.” 
At 30 June 2016, Lendlease held a cash balance of $1.0 billion and undrawn facilities of $2.2 billion, providing substantial financial flexibility.
Below is Lendlease's financial performance
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FY16 major highlights
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Profit after Tax of $698.2 million, up 13 per cent and earnings per stapled security of 120.1 cents, up 12 per cent 
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  Return on equity of 13.0 per cent2, up 60 bps 
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  Final distribution of 30.0 cents per stapled security, taking the full year distribution to 60.0 cents per stapled security 
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  Operating cash flow of $853.0 million, 122 per cent of Profit after Tax 
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  Further $3.0 billion deployed into development of projects3 
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  Strong balance sheet with gearing of 6.5 per cent4 and available liquidity of $3.2 billion 
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  Further de-risking Development with the forward sale of three major commercial buildings 
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  Record pre sold residential revenue of $5.9 billion5, up 13 per cent 
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  Establishment of a $400 million managed investment vehicle 
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  Construction backlog revenue of $20.7 billion, up 20 per cent 
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  Funds Under Management (FUM) of $23.6 billion, up 11 per cent 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Lendlease profits up 13 percent in FY16 - and no sign of rise in apartment settlement defaults

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Specialist investment manager Centuria Capital have announced results for the full year ended June 30 2016 and declared a fully franked final dividend of 3.00 cents per share.
John McBain, Group CEO was pleased with the overall figures. 
“Centuria delivered a record underlying net profit after tax of $10.4 million, which is at the upper end of guidance provided to the market in December.
"We are pleased that the FY16 fully franked dividend of 5.25 cents per share is in line with our aim to provide consistent earnings and distribution growth over the short and long term.”
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Operating Highlights during FY16 included:
· Group funds under management increased 21% from $1.6 billion to $1.9 billion.
· Unlisted property fund acquisitions totaled $265 million.
· Centuria Metropolitan REIT portfolio book increased 9.3% to $400 million with distributions on forecast.
· Strengthened balance sheet supports unlisted acquisitions and acquisition of GMF stake.
 
Centuria is target 25 percent growth in Group FUM during FY17.
The acquisition of the $280 million Zenith Tower in partnership with Blackrock in July 2016 will contribute significantly to reaching the FUM target. 
“It has been a very successful year for Centuria and we believe our platform is well positioned to deliver growth in earnings," Group CEO John McBain added.
"We have clear strategies to enhance our business in FY17 and these include expanding and diversifying our distribution channels and a concerted move towards a higher recurring revenue model.
“Centuria will continue to review opportunities to expand the Group by acquisition of fund managers if they are on-strategy and enhance value to shareholders.”
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Centuria Capital target 25% FUM growth after posting strong profits

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Gold Coast residential developer Villa World have reported a 32 percent rise in its 2016 net profit having delivered $33.7 million in net profit after tax.
They are keen to buy more development sites after seeing a substantial rises in profits from $25.6 million last year.
The company reported strong sales figures for the year ending June 30, driven by strong sales, settlements, and a focus on domestic buyers.
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“In 2016 we hit our target with a total of 1185 sales, almost double our result from three years ago,” managing director and chief executive Craig Treasure said.
“The domestic market has been our focus with less than 5 per cent of 2016 sales to international purchasers.”
The company also achieved a higher number of settlements this year, seeing a rise from 816 last year to 1073.
The amount of settlements helped lift Villa World's revenue by 20 percent to $387 million.
They purchased 2139 lots, taking their portfolio to 5937 lots as at June 30.
“The near-term focus will remain on the continued replenishment of the portfolio in southeast Queensland, growing the Victorian land bank with a focus on the southeastern and northern growth corridors of Melbourne, and growing a presence in NSW,” Craig said.
The company is targeting a net profit growth of at least 5 per cent and a dividend of at least 18c a share next year.
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Gold Coast developer Villa World secure 32 percent rise in profits

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Stockland performed strongly in FY16, growing asset returns, broadening its customer base and taking advantage of supportive market conditions. Revenues were up 10 percent.
They generated substantial profit growth from its business activities, with FFO of $740 million, up 12.5% on FY15.
Statutory profit was $889 million, down 1.6% on the prior year due to a number of unrealised fair value items.
Stockland's return on equity increased 1.1 percent to 11 percent, excluding workout assets.
<a href="/images/2016/08/17/Screen%20Shot%202016-08-17%20at%209.58.25%20am.png" target="_blank">Click here to enlarge Stockland's growth in FFO and underlying profit</a>
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The company's residential, commercial property and retirement living arms all made solid contributions.
Mark Steinert, Stockland managing director and CEO said the company delivered strong results in FY16 by executing strategy and delivering purposes in their communities and properties.
"I’m very pleased that each of our commercial property, residential and retirement living businesses have made significant contributions to the performance of the Group.
"Our commercial property business delivered comparable FFO growth of 4.5% and we achieved a record number of settlements in both our residential and retirement Living businesses. 
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FY 16 Results
 Statutory profit of $889 million, down 1.6 percent on FY15
 Funds from operations (FFO) of $740 million, up 12.5 percent1
 FFO per security of 31.1 cents, up 11.1 percent
 Underlying profit of $660 million, up 8.5 percent
 Underlying earnings per security (EPS) of 27.8 cents, up 7.3 percent
 Profit growth in all core businesses, with Residential operating profit up 38.8 percent
 Return on equity (ROE) of 11.0percent, up 1.1 percent
Net tangible assets (NTA) per security of $3.82, up 3.8 percent. Distribution per security (DPS) of 24.5 cents, up 0.5 cents 
FY17 targets
Targeting growth in FFO per security of 5.0 – 7.0 percent, assuming no material change in market conditions
From FY17, our distribution policy will be based on FFO and will reflect a payout ratio of 75 – 85 percent. We are targeting an estimated distribution per security of 25.5 cents, a 4.1 percent increase on FY16, assuming no material change in market conditions 
 
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Stockland perform strongly in FY16 with 10% rise in revenues

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With property management making up an average 56% of agency revenue, staff training and marketing spend across the best channels are key to increasing profits, according to a survey data by rental property website Rent.com.au.
Australian property management heads, principals and business development managers were primarily concerned with four key risks to their agency’s profitability: staff turnover, training, rent roll growth and the cost and direction of their advertising and marketing spend, the survey found.
Conversely, key contributors to profitability were marked as the number of secured new managements, ongoing property management fees and income picked up from the sales team.
More than half the respondents (55.2%) in Rent.com.au’s February ‘Best Practice and Finance’ survey indicated their agency set an overall revenue target for the business, while 28.9% reported they had set individual targets for both the sales and management departments. Others indicated the number of managed properties determined their department’s profitability.
Property management heads reported that staff training was primarily allocated between 0-10% annually (78.95%), while 15.79% reported 11-20% of their budget was pushed in that direction. The remaining 5.26% said training was prioritised with 21-30% of their agency’s budget. Total staff turnover in the department was, on average, 5.2% according to the survey.
A summary of the key results include:
 At present, respondents indicated they managed on average 101-200 properties (25.64%), followed by 17.95% for both 301-500 and 500+ ranges.
 38.46% of property management heads indicated they would like to manage more than 500 properties, while 101-200 and 301-500 properties came in equal second on 17.95%.
 The key methods of securing new managements were: Referrals from owners (81.58%), referrals from tenants (41.11%), networking (47.37%) and referrals from the sales team (47.37%).
 Survey respondents indicated they spend the majority of their allocated budget on subscriptions to portals (70.27%)
 41% of property management heads indicated they met with their department every day.
 67.5% said they had a rent arrears percentage under 5%.
“Our results show that property management heads have prioritised growth and staff development by meeting on a regular basis with their teams. The majority (41.03%) indicated they would meet daily with their team, which suggests a strong commitment to immediate support and resolution for potential conflicts,” Rent.com.au CEO and Founder Mark Woschnak said.
Rent arrears are well managed across a number of agencies, with the majority (67.5%) indicating their arrears were under 5%, closely followed by 24.3% with between 6-10%.
Woschnak added that good property management resulted in repeat business and satisfied clients, thus driving up profitability. 
“While the sales impact on a company’s revenue is clear for the 74.58% of respondents who work in an agency that operates across sales and property management, our results indicate that strong communication, knowledge of properties and the local area, a set fee structure and benchmarks are key ‘best practice’ tools.”
The results showed that marketing budget is annually directed to advertising options such as local subscriptions to portals, local sponsorships, Facebook and Google Adwords.
 
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Staff training and targeted advertising spend key to profitability for property firms: Rent survey

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Mortgage Choice Limited reported a profit growth of 12.4 percent for the six months ending December 31, boosted by a record $6 billion in mortgage settlements during the period.
The mortgage broker’s shares ended up 7.3 percent on the ASX on Wednesday.
The company said its loan book also crossed the $50 billion milestone and hit $50.7 billion, up 4.7% from 1H15.
“We have recorded our strongest ever interim profit result, which is a testament to the Mortgage Choice business as a whole, as well as the strength of our plans and our ability to execute those plans,” Mortgage Choice chief executive officer John Flavell said in a media release.
The mortgage broker’s net profit after tax on a cash basis was $10.1 million, up 12.4% from in 1H15. Group revenue grew to $102.3 million, up 5.4% on 1H15.
It settled home loans worth $6.2 billion in 1H16, an 8.5% increase from 1H15 and its highest ever.
The company also announced a fully franked interim dividend of 8 cents per share, up from 7.5 cents in 1H15.
“Our strong profit growth of 12.4% has come from significantly growing our revenue and controlling our operating expenses whilst continuing to invest for future growth. Since addressing Help Me Choose, we have been able to dedicate more resources to those parts of the business that align with our 2020 strategy,” Flavell said.
“We have seen a significant increase in both the number of referrals going to our financial advisers as well as the number of brokers referring business.”
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