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

Property Investors

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In the December quarter, the gap between rates for investors and owner occupier borrowers widened, with investors now paying 0.21 per cent more on average, RateCity report.
Despite higher rates for some investors, overall mortgage rates fell for both variable and fixed, with the largest cuts applied to the 3-year fixed rates.
"Interestingly, fixed rates – including 5-year terms – are more competitive than variable rates on average and the gap is widening, making fixed rates an appealing option for some people now," RateCity money commentator Sally Tindall noted.
"However, competition in the variable space is driving sharper deals than fixed.
"For example, variable rates are sitting as low as 3.69 per cent, while one of the lowest 5 year fixed rates is 4.39 per cent," she said.
She noted home loan rates have gone both up and down in the space of three months.
The major banks all chose to hike rates by an average of 0.18 percentage points on the back of APRA’s requirement that they hold more capital while competition at the bottom of the market sharpened with around 25 lenders choosing to cut their lowest variable rates to as little as 3.65 per cent.  
"Unsurprisingly, existing mortgage holders primarily missed out on this news as the majority of these cuts were for new customers only.
"The most dramatic change occurred in investor borrowing where there was a $2.1 billion drop in lending figures in just four months.
"The falls came on the back of the introduction of higher home loan rates for investors of up to 1.44 percentage points, with around half of the market adopting this two-tiered pricing structure. 
"We expect lenders will continue to tweak their home loan products in the year ahead in an attempt to reduce risk and control investor growth including a continued tightening of LVR requirements."
<a href="/images/2016/01/22/Screen%20Shot%202016-01-22%20at%208.55.44%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/01/22/Screen%20Shot%202016-01-22%20at%208.55.44%20AM.png" alt="">
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Gap between rates for investors and owner occupiers widening: RateCity

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The weak Australian dollar is good news for Australian expats!
They can invest in property cheaper from money earned abroad.
Australians who bought property in the US during the global financial crisis when housing prices crashed in many parts of the country, including Las Vegas, can reap the benefits now as a stronger US economy and dollar mean rising rental income and strong capital growth. 
The Australian dollar fell to six-year lows in September. It has recovered since then, and was hovering around 0.71 to the US dollar by late December.
A weak local dollar would only mean those Australians who brought property in US can now find a profitable route to bring their money home: invest in property in Australia.
According to Greville Pabst, chief executive of property valuers and consultants WBP Property Group, a falling Aussie dollar represents positive news for expatriates, with the improved conversion rate giving them “greater buying power”.
 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Expats cashing in on weak Aussie dollar for property investment

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There are tax issues for Australians living overseas but who want to buy property back home.
It in important the familiarise themselves with Australian tax obligations to avoid nasty surprises from the ATO.
Among the first things to establish is the tax residency status. They will be treated as tax resident of Australia if they meet certain criteria.
Some of the things that determine residency include nationality, where you were present and for how long, where you have a home, and your economic and business ties with the country. 
If you have stayed in Australia for more than six months of the financial year (1 July to 30 June), you will be a tax resident of Australia.
Then there's the domicile. If your domicile remains in Australia and you do not have a permanent place of residence overseas, you will be treated as an Australian tax resident.
If you are a tax resident of Australia, your worldwide income and capital gains are generally subject to Australian tax.
For non-residents, only income earned in Australia and capital gains on ‘Taxable Australian Property’ are taxable in Australia. Any income or capital gain from a property in Australia will always be treated as having been sourced in Australia, hence taxed.
Also watch out for countries with Double Tax Agreement (DTA) with Australia, where the provisions of the DTA may override the domestic law in both Australia and the other country.
If the other country also taxes the same income or capital gain, Australian tax rules generally provide a foreign income tax offset on any foreign tax paid on the same income or capital gain.
There is no substitute for professional tax advice.
Take the common example of an Australian expatriate who buys a home back in Australia while still resident of another country, including for tax purposes.
The house rented until the expat eventually returns to Australia, when it will become the family’s home.
The capital gains tax (CGT) treatment when the home is eventually sold will be influenced by the length of time when the property was not the expat’s main Australian residence.
An expat’s CGT position after owning the property for 10 years but home for only the final two of those years, would, according to Joe Galea, property tax partner for accountants Deloitte in Sydney, see a fifth of any net capital gain taxable.
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Australian expatriates are to watch their tax obligations

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GUEST OBSERVER 
Dwelling approvals: Dwelling approvals rose by 3.9 % in October, boosted by a 10.6 % increase in apartment approvals. Over the past year a record 233,180 new homes were approved.
The terms of trade (ratio of export to import prices) fell by 2.4 % to a 9-year low of 83.3 in the September quarter. But the terms of trade is still up 4 % on the 20-year average.
Record foreign debt: Net foreign debt rose by $25.5 billion to a record $993.8 billion as at the end of the September quarter.
Trade sector adds to economic growth: Net exports (exports less imports) will add 1.5 percentage points to economic growth in the September quarter. CommSec estimates that the economy grew by 0.9 % in the September quarter to be up 2.5 % over the year.
China purchasing manager indexes: The National Bureau of Statistics measure for manufacturing fell from 49.8 to 49.6 in November; the services index lifted from 53.1 to 53.6.
What does it all mean?
Courtesy of stronger demand for our exports, we expect the economy grew by almost 1.0 % in the September quarter. Last quarter media were comparing Australia to Greece after the economy grew by just 0.2 %. Will we see media comparing our economy with India or China if the economy grows as expected in the September quarter?
We can never become too complacent with our foreign debt position. In the past quarter our debt levels rose to almost $1 trillion dollars – not an event we should celebrate. The good news is that Australians are also investing overseas with latest data at record highs.
Dwelling approvals lifted by healthy 3.9 % October. From a longer term sense the lift in home building over the past couple of years has been extraordinary. Over the past year a record 233,180 new homes were approved – a boom that will continue to support economic activity over the next 12-18 months. Interestingly with the tightening in bank lending standards, it is pretty clear that the lift in supply should result in a much more balanced housing sector - as was highlighted by the pullback in home prices in five of the eight capital cities last month.
<a href="/images/2015/12/1/Screen%20Shot%202015-12-01%20at%203.56.03%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/12/1/Screen%20Shot%202015-12-01%20at%203.56.03%20PM.png" alt="" width="803" height="275">
What do the figures show?
 Building Approvals:
Dwelling approvals rose by 3.9% in October after rising 2.3% in September.  Over the past year a record 233,180 new homes were approved.
House approvals fell by 2.1% in October (private sector fell by 2.1%). Meanwhile ‘lumpy’ apartment approvals rose by 10.6% in October after rising by 7.5% in September. Private sector apartment approvals rose by 10.6% in October.
Dwelling approvals are up 12.3% on a year ago with house approvals down by 2.3% while apartments are up by 30.2%.
Across states and territories in October: NSW approvals rose by 22.0%; Victoria rose by 21.2%; Queensland fell by 28.7%; South Australia rose by 23.4%; Western Australia fell by 1.1%; Tasmania fell by 41.6%. In trend terms, approvals rose by 7.1% in the Northern Territory and fell 10.8% in the ACT.
The value of all commercial and residential building approvals rose by 6.4% in October after falling by 2.7% in September. Residential approvals rose by 9.8% with new building up by 10.5% while alterations &amp; additions rose by 3.7%. Commercial building fell by 1% in October to be up 19.6% over the year.
 Balance of Payments
The broadest measure of Australia's external position -  the current account – improved in the September quarter (smaller deficit), with the deficit falling from $20,506 million to $18,104 million.
The balance of goods and services was in deficit by $7,438 million after a $10,946 million deficit in the June quarter. Exports rose in real terms by 5.4% while imports fell by 1.8%.
At the end of the June quarter,  net foreign equity was $70.99 billion – essentially Australians own more assets overseas than foreign investors own here in Australia. And the positive net foreign equity position rose by $7.37 billion over the September quarter.
The trade sector (exports less imports) will add 1.5 percentage points to economic growth in the September quarter.
Terms of trade (ratio of export to import prices) fell by 2.4% to 83.3 in the September quarter – lowest level since June quarter 2006. But the terms of trade is still up 4.0% on the 20-year average.
Net foreign debt rose by $25.5 billion to a record $993.8 billion as at the end of the September quarter.
The debt servicing ratio (net income on foreign debt to goods and services credits) worsened from 7.4% to 7.7% in the September quarter.
 Government Finances
Government consumption spending rose by 0.7% in the September quarter after a 1.7% increase in the June quarter. But total public investment fell by 9.2% in the September quarter after rising by 2.1% in the June quarter. Overall, spending by the government sector  fell by 1.2% in the September quarter after rising 1.8% in the June quarter.
<a href="/images/2015/12/1/Screen%20Shot%202015-12-01%20at%204.07.51%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/12/1/Screen%20Shot%202015-12-01%20at%204.07.51%20PM.png" alt="" width="609" height="199">
 
 Consumer sentiment
The weekly ANZ/Roy Morgan consumer confidence rating fell by 1.7 points (1.5%) to 112.8 in the week to November 29 Confidence is down 1.0% over the year but above the average of 111.7 since 2014.
Just two of the five components of the index rose in the latest week:
The estimate of family finances compared with a year ago was  down from +9 to +4;
The estimate of family finances over the next year was  up from +23 to +25;
Economic conditions over the next 12 months was  down from +2 to -2;
Economic conditions over the next 5 years was  down from +10 to +6;
The measure of whether it was a good time to buy a major household item was  up from +28 to +31.
What is the importance of the economic data?
The Bureau of Statistics' monthly  Building Approvals release contains figures on local council approvals to build residential structures such as homes and units as well as commercial premises such as offices and shops.
Approval is one of the first stages of the construction ‘pipeline’ and is thus a key leading indicator of future activity.
An increase in approvals would point to stronger future activity for construction-related companies.
The quarterly Balance of Payments figures have few short-term effects on financial markets. The importance of the data is merely to highlight Australia’s trading position with the rest of the world as well as the contribution of foreign trade (exports less imports) to the latest estimates of economic growth.
The ANZ/Roy Morgan weekly survey of consumer confidence closely tracks the monthly Westpac/Melbourne Institute consumer sentiment index but the former measure is a timelier assessment of consumer attitudes and is now closely tracked by the Reserve Bank.
What are the implications for interest rates and investors?
The near $1 trillion in foreign debt will serve as a brake on the Aussie dollar, which at present seems a little high compared with the level of commodity prices.
A solid reading on economic growth in the September quarter will ensure that the Reserve Bank stays on the interest rate sidelines.
 
Craig James is the chief economist at <a href="https://www.comsec.com.au/default.aspx" target="_blank">CommSec</a>.
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mick.cee-iDmgDDAmu8

Exports to lift growth, record building approvals: CommSec's Craig James

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Officialdom decided last December that property investor lending needed to be restrained given the emerging trend of more money being lent to investors than owner occupiers.
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority introduced a cap on allowable growth in bank lending on residential investment loans.
This eventually impactful decision got lost amid the seasonal Christmas break, and further from mind when the Reserve Bank of Australia cut the cash rate to 2.25% at its opening February 2015 meeting.
Growth in credit extended to investors had increased by 10% during 2014, right on the APRA threshold for its intended stricter scrutiny of lending practices.
Owner-occupier credit growth had at around 5.5%.
Of course APRA was technically not targeting house price levels – but rather setting benchmarks for a safer banking system.
The early 2015 auction competition saw no handbrake in the battle between home buyers and investors.
Reaching fever pitch, clearance rates peaked in March at 82%, according to CoreLogic RP Data, with properties typically knocked down at record prices especially in cheaper outer Sydney districts where auction had never been the normal means of sale.
It was soon obvious that the subtle backroom macroprudential measures needed to be intensified.
The jawboning by the RBA and APRA became more emphatic. The banks were told to look at loan-to-valuation ratio limits which made it harder to get an investor loan. Interest only loans became a rarity. Off the plan buyers were told they'd need to fund 20% of their apartment purchases. Finance approvals for house and land lots were being delayed until preliminary works had been completed. One bank even stopped all new lending to investors.
Events and issues then combined that further unnerved the housing market. There were signs of a retreat in foreign buyers as Treasurer Joe Hockey launched his crackdown on overseas buyers who were boosting prices in select suburbs. Financial inquiry chief David Murray raised the prospect of negative gearing reform. Doubt was cast over the future of self managed super funds being able to borrow.
In May Treasury secretary John Fraser warned that Sydney was in a housing bubble. The RBA governor Glenn Stevens wasn't wrong in June when he said some crazy prices were being paid. 
Against a backdrop of high household debt, subdued income growth and fluctuating unemployment, the negativity clincher came after the banks raised home loan rates in mid-October given long foreshadowed rules forcing banks to hold larger loss-absorbing capital buffers.
By this time the entire Sydney property market was primed to be spooked. Auction clearance rates - which are a good sign of market sentiment and price growth - swiftly fell in the outer suburbs dipping sometimes into the 40s. Traditional auction hotspots, Sydney's inner west and eastern suburbs then took fright too.
Buyers just were not as prevalent - especially investors - and those who turned up kept their bidding restrained.
It is not quite lights out for the investor, but it has been getting darker, was how the valuation firm Herron Todd White has described the turn of events.
"We see the will is still present, but the ability to finance the dream is diminishing,' its November review advised as APRA's measures now extend well beyond the Sydney market into regional NSW.
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) recently released Quarterly Authorised Deposit-taking Institution (ADI) Property Exposures for the September 2015 quarter showing the slowing in lending to investors. The publication contains information on ADIs’ commercial property exposures, residential property exposures and new housing loan approvals. 
Key statistics for ADIs (excluding Other ADIs) for September 2015 were:  
<table border="1"><tbody>
<tr>
<th id="header1"> </th>
<th id="header2">September 2014</th>
<th id="header3">September 2015</th>
<th id="header4">Change</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td headers="header1">Total commercial property exposures</td>
<td headers="header2" align="center">$224.5 billion</td>
<td headers="header3" align="center">$240.4 billion</td>
<td headers="header4" align="center">+7.1%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td headers="header1">Commercial property exposures within Australia</td>
<td headers="header2" align="center">$185.8 billion</td>
<td headers="header3" align="center">$201.1 billion</td>
<td headers="header4" align="center">+8.2%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td headers="header1">Total domestic housing loans</td>
<td headers="header2" align="center">$1,243.3 billion</td>
<td headers="header3" align="center">$1,354.8 billion</td>
<td headers="header4" align="center">+9.0%</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 Key statistics for ADIs with greater than $1 billion in housing loans for September 2015 were: 
<table border="1"><tbody>
<tr>
<th id="header1"> </th>
<th id="header2">September 2014</th>
<th id="header3">September 2015</th>
<th id="header4">Change</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td headers="header1">Number of housing loans</td>
<td headers="header2" align="center">5,086.7 thousand</td>
<td headers="header3" align="center">5,422.8 thousand</td>
<td headers="header4" align="center">+6.6%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td headers="header1">Average balance of housing loans</td>
<td headers="header2" align="center">$240,000</td>
<td headers="header3" align="center">$246,000</td>
<td headers="header4" align="center">+2.5%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td headers="header1">New housing loans approved in the quarter</td>
<td headers="header2" align="center">$84.8 billion</td>
<td headers="header3" align="center">$95.0 billion</td>
<td headers="header4" align="center">+12.0%</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority data on showed the value of loan approvals for property investors fell to $32.39 billion in the three months to September 30 down from $40.55 billion in the June quarter.
Loans to property investors made up around 35 per cent of new lending approved in the September quarter, the lowest in the past two years, and down from around 43 per cent in the June quarter.
Analysts however are treating the data with some caution as <a href="/news/rba-concerned-at-inaccuracy-of-housing-lending-data-by-banks">several banks have been busy reclassifying billions of dollars in home loans</a>.
This article was first published in the Saturday Daily Telegraph.
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The APRA impact on 2015 property investment

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GUEST OBSERVER
September’s 1.6% fall in total housing-related lending was driven by a big fall in lending to investors partially offset by an increase in lending to owner-occupiers (O-Os).
 The ABS housing finance publication contains a glut of information on lending for housing-related purposes. We trawl through the key figures below: 
O-Os: There has been solid growth in lending to O-Os over the past year and this continued in September. By value lending is up a sizeable 23.1% through the year and by number it’s up 8.4%. A material increase in the average loan size largely explains the difference between lending by value and by number. In September the average new loan size for an O-O was a record $379k – up 18.0% through the year. In NSW the average new loan size for an O-O was 449k while it was $379k in Victoria. Record low mortgage rates have helped contribute to a lift in average loan size because the capacity to borrow rises when borrowing costs fall. 
Investors: In the last few months lending to investors has cooled quite sharply following exceptional growth for much of the past two years. There is now plenty of evidence that indicates measures introduced by a number of banks to slow investor-related lending are having an impact. In addition, a slow decline in rental yields due to strong dwelling price appreciation is acting as a natural restraint on lending growth to investors. We expect this trend to continue over coming months in line with cooling auction clearance rates.
<a href="/images/2015/11/10/Screen%20Shot%202015-11-10%20at%203.02.10%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/11/10/Screen%20Shot%202015-11-10%20at%203.02.10%20PM.png" alt="">
 
Construction: Total lending for dwelling-related construction was flat in September and has eased off in recent months. This is consistent with the recent tapering off in building approvals growth. The lag between finance/approvals and construction means that residential construction will remain buoyant deep into 2016. Dwelling construction generates jobs and the multiplier effect benefits other sectors of the economy. A further positive for construction was that lending for alts and adds rose by a solid 6.4% and sits 14.9% higher on year ago levels. 
<div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
States: The data on O-Os by State in September shows that annual growth in the number of loans is strongest in NSW (+20.4%), followed by Victoria (+10.1%) and SA (+8.7%). It is negative in QLD (-0.4%), WA (-6.2%), and Tasmania (-11.0%). 
<a href="/images/2015/11/10/Screen%20Shot%202015-11-10%20at%203.03.24%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/11/10/Screen%20Shot%202015-11-10%20at%203.03.24%20PM.png" alt="">
An update on lending to investors by State will be in Friday’s Lending Finance publication. 
First home buyers: The number of loans to first home buyers rose by 6.2% in September. First home buyers represent just 15.4% of all dwellings financed – close to record lows.
</div>
</div>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
All up, today’s data print is consistent with other indicators of the housing market which show that activity is moderating. Policymakers are likely to welcome the latest slowdown in housing credit growth particularly given business credit growth has picked up. The different parts of the credit space are evolving in the directions that policymaker’s desire. 
</div>
</div>
</div>
Gareth Aird is economist at Commonwealth Bank and can be contacted <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://au.linkedin.com/pub/gareth-aird/14/790/905" target="_blank">here</a>.
</div>
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Housing lending growth slows as investor appetite wanes: CBA's Gareth Aird

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The Wakelin Property Advisory is not convinced there will be a huge switch of investors from Sydney to Melbourne off the back of a softening Sydney market. 
“The Sydney slowdown isn’t causing our phones to ring off the hook with Sydney investors looking at the Melbourne market," Paul Nugent told Fairfax Media this week.
"Investors in these two cities tend to stick with their home town. 
"Melbourne may benefit at Sydney’s expense more from investors from other parts of Australia and overseas looking to invest in residential property in a major Australian capital city," he suggested.
“Although we expect Melbourne’s growth will be quite modest in coming months off the back of unusually strong spring and early summer supply, there does seem to be enough energy in the market to suggest Melbourne will replace struggling Sydney as the ‘growth’ capital for the next few months.”
Melbourne buyers advocate Richard Wakelin recently advised clients the Melbourne CBD could stand for Could Be Dangerous - especially when buying highrise, non-descript, cookie-cutter units.
Paul Nugent of Wakelin Property Advisory and Stuart Wemyss of ProSolution Private Clients will discuss strategies for young adults to enter the property market in an upcoming webinar.
The one-hour webinar starts at 12.30pm on Thursday 29 October. You can register <a href="https://wakelin.com.au/fpb_webinar" target="_blank">here</a>.
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No switch between Sydney and Melbourne foreseen: Wakelin

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Southport has been attracting more commercial tenants and investors in the recent times resulting in decreasing office vacancy and rising capital values, according to Colliers International.
Southport is the largest commercial precinct on the Gold Coast with over 150,000sqm of office space.
Cameron Wilson, director in charge at Colliers International on the Gold Coast, said Southport’s office vacancy rate is expected to further tighten over the coming three years with the upcoming Commonwealth Games and Queensland Government’s Priority Development Area designation and provisions being the key drivers.
“Current office vacancy in Southport is assessed at 13.8%; five years ago this figure was close to 22%. As a result rental rates are firming and with that, capital values are rising and investment yields are compressing," he said.
“Two years ago, there was over 5,000sqm of small strata offices for sale in Southport Central that were achieving prices of around $2,200 to $2,700 per square metre. In the last 6 months we have seen this on market rate decline to around 1,500sqm and a rise in capital values of about 20 per cent, which equates $2,500 to $3,200 per square metre.
“Colliers International is aware of several tenants relocating into Southport to take advantage of Queensland Government provisions and ease of planning, with the top two industries moving into the area being educational/training providers and health/medical groups.
“Over the past 12 months, sales of major commercial holdings in Southport indicate a strong appetite from investors looking to secure a foothold into the area for both passive investment and future mixed use developments." 
According to James Crawford, director of investment services at Colliers International, Gold Coast City Council’s infrastructure developments in the area are supporting its growth.
“Recent Smith Street Motorway upgrades have improved commuter access during peak times. In addition to this the Broadwater Parklands Stage 3 upgrade is well underway and continues to improve the overall amenity."
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 Southport commercial office market heating up‏

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Since the winding back of the federal government’s post-GFC stimulus package, Australian property markets have broadly produced underwhelming returns.
Over the last two years, Sydney and Melbourne have been strong. Conversely, Perth and Darwin markets are receding and it is likely to be some time before the clouds lift.
Approximately 70% of properties throughout Australia are worth much the same today as they were five years ago.
Recent jobs data for Sydney and Melbourne has been impressive an I believe that there will be further growth in to the New Year, albeit at more moderate levels than we’ve recently seen.
First home buyers who are concerned about being squeezed out of Sydney and Melbourne markets might reconsider what they are wishing for.
We’ve observed a refreshing trend wherein more people are realising that rent-money isn’t necessarily dead-money.
Deposit monies can be made to work harder through investing it in one of the (strategically-chosen) 9.6 million properties across the country as opposed to limiting the potential return on investment by choosing a property that must meet the specific personal requirements of a family home.  
While our research provides us with great confidence about the outlook for Sydney’s economy, the lack of housing affordability will result in lower rates of growth over the medium term compared to many other locations.
Melbourne is a different story; I have consistently stated we have considerable concerns about the impact which the closure of three car manufacturing plants will have on Melbourne’s market from late-2016 onwards.
Record low interest rates combined with the FOMO (fear-of-missing-out) effect amongst Sydney and Melbourne residents has resulted in heightened investor activity.
A large majority of client enquiries received over the last six months have been from southern-based investors looking to invest in Brisbane.
While we believe Brisbane’s outlook is sound, its economy is not as robust as Sydney and Melbourne.
We have done some investing in Brisbane however, Propertyology has been actively helping investors to get in to alternative markets around Australia that we believe have better potential.
Generally speaking, market fundamentals across the country are sound although the missing ingredient continues to be confidence.
Building approval data from the last couple of years have been at record levels and most of the new supply is focused on capital cities. This, combined with APRA enforced tighter credit conditions, is likely to result in moderated rates of price growth. 
An eventual reduction in property transaction volumes will mean lower taxation revenues for all levels of government. Regulators appear to have over-reacted by applying across the board policy changes in attempt to de-stimulate markets in 30% of the country (Sydney and Melbourne) whereas the other 70% of the country would actually benefit from stimulus.
With the level of investor stock expected to rise in Australia’s biggest cities pressure on rents is likely to ease and rental yields will soften.
Four of the six cities which Propertyology is currently investing in are strong regional locations which have a diverse mix of industry drivers, very affordable housing, and controlled rates of supply.
Whilst Propertyology does not publicly disclose exactly where we are investing, we believe that the stronger markets over the medium term will contain specific industries within their economic profile. These include agriculture, international students, tourism, manufacturing of premium goods, health, and professional services.
 
Simon Pressley is Managing Director of Propertyology, a REIA Hall Of Fame Inductee, property market analyst, accredited property investment adviser, and Buyer’s Agent. <a href="https://www.propertyology.com.au/more-than-a-buyers-agent/" target="_blank">Propertyology works exclusively with property investors</a> to purchase properties in strategically chosen locations all over Australia.
 
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spressley-sBoeMhannA

Fear-of-missing-out investor activity driving Spring outlook: Simon Pressley

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Real estate agent John McGrath has given his tips on what property investors should do in a softening rental market, adding the current market situation is great news for renters.
In an opinion piece for Peter Switzer's Switzer Daily, McGrath said rental growth might be slowing down but it’s not going backwards, so many landlords won’t be in a position where they have to reduce rents, they’ll just have to keep them at the same level for a while. 
He wrote that more properties available for rent means more options for a growing community of renters – especially Gen Y Australians, many of whom have resigned themselves to a life of renting in expensive cities like Sydney. 
"When supply increases, landlords need to be extra careful to keep their tenants happy. The most important thing is responding to their needs – quickly. Don’t delay small repairs – accept the cost (which is almost always tax deductible or at least depreciable) and get it fixed. If your tenant believes you will look after them, the allure of a slightly better value option down the road won’t be enough to make them move out," McGrath said.
"If your property is going onto the market at a time of increasing supply, do something to make it stand out. You need to ‘wow’ tenants when supply is high. If your property looks well-kept, that will take it to the top of the list. Quality is important to tenants – remember, this is going to be their home.
"In terms of the importance of rental returns to landlords, of course we all want to receive the maximum yields possible. We’re in the game to make money, after all. But in the grand scheme of things, I have always seen rental yields as less important than capital gains. If you’re looking at buying an investment property, consider the potential for capital gain first. Don’t go buying a high yielding property that has little potential for growth in value. It won’t serve you well in the long run."
He added the ideal scenario is to have some blue chip investments in your portfolio that are delivering reliable long-term capital growth; and a couple of cheaper properties that deliver a great yield to help you afford the repayments on the blue chips (which are often negatively geared as high quality properties cost more to buy!). 
Rents across capital cities.
Median rents across the capital cities 
<ul>
<li>Sydney Houses $610 pw | Apartments $536 pw</li>
<li>Melbourne Houses $456 pw | Apartments $404 pw</li>
<li>Brisbane Houses $436 pw | Apartments $408 pw</li>
<li>Perth Houses $472 pw | Apartments $419 pw</li>
<li>Adelaide Houses $373 pw | Apartments $317 pw</li>
<li>Canberra Houses $504 pw | Apartments $403 pw</li>
<li>Darwin Houses $575 pw | Apartments $459 pw</li>
<li>Hobart Houses $343 pw | Apartments $298 pw</li>
</ul>
To view the original article on the Switzer Daily, <a href="https://www.switzer.com.au/the-experts/john-mcgrath-property-expert/what-to-do-in-a-softening-rental-market/" target="_blank">click here.</a>
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