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

Realestate.com.au

<html><body>Unit price growth was up 2.1 percent nationally over the past year with the strongest growth recorded in regional Victoria, according to the latest data from the realestate.com.au website.

The national unit median price stands at $500,000.

It is at $560,000 across the combined capitals and at $385,000 across Australia's regions.

Unit prices were up 0.6 percent national over the quarter, and up 0.1 percent during February, according to the Home Price Report.

House price growth of 0.4 percent continued in February to outpace unit growth. Over the last 12 months, national houses price growth sat at 6.9 percent, more than triple that of unit price growth of 2.1 percent.

Victoria's regions saw 11.4 percent annual growth for unit values to a $320,000 median price. It was up 2.9 percent quarterly and 0.8 percent in February.

Melbourne's unit median sat at $590,000, up 2.3 percent annually.

Hobart's unit market was the nation's second strongest in 2020, up 8.3 percent to a $400,000 median.

Sydney was the dearest capital for units at at $730,000, up just 0.1 percent over the year, the weakest rise among the capital cities.

Brisbane was the second weakest with a rise of 1.5 percent to its $395,000 median.

Darwin's median unit price was the cheapest of the capitals at $320,000, followed by Adelaide at $346,750.
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Annual unit price growth was up 2.1 percent nationally with the strong growth in regional Victoria

jchancellor

Annual apartment price growth up 2.1% nationally: Realestate.com.au

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EXPERT OBSERVER
High-intent renters are still very active on realestate.com.au, despite a softening market and relatively high supply.
The REA Insights Weekly Demand Index is a weekly metric that looks at the volume of high-intent renter activity on the realestate.com.au website and app and tracks that activity over time.
Specifically, it looks at how users are behaving when they interact with live rental listings.
The characteristics of serious renter activity includes but is not limited to; the number of visits to a listing, looking at the photos for a listing multiple times, saving the property, sharing the property and/or making an enquiry with the agent.
Who is it useful for?
For renters looking for new rental accommodation the index gives a good indication of the level of competition they can expect when they look at and apply for properties. Higher renter activity on a listing would suggest greater competition for that property or property type. In this index we’ve aggregated the high-intent rental activity and analysed it by state.
For owners of rental properties the index indicates the likelihood that they will be able to rent out their property.
Why REA Group is well placed to tell this story
Realestate.com.au is Australia’s number one property portal. In April 11.9 million Australians visited the platform* creating an unparalleled view of consumer demand for Australian property. This vast onsite activity sends millions of signals of intent that allow the experts at REA Insights to model behavioural demand.
What is the latest data actually showing?
The latest data shows that the number of highly-engaged rental listing interactions on realestate.com.au increased by 2.7 per cent last week. That means that serious renter activity has now increased for 10 of the past 11 weeks (falling the previous week) and is up 102.9 per cent from its low in March. The 2.7 per cent weekly increase did not completely offset the -4.3 per cent fall the previous week.
One of the likely drivers of such high volumes of serious renter activity is the fact that the number of new rental properties becoming available is shrinking. With less stock, those serious about renting are required to narrow their focus and are more likely to be highly-engaged with what’s available online.
The data indicates that it isn’t just search volumes that are climbing, we are also seeing a significant increase in the volume of people searching that are in the late stage of their rental decision.
All states recorded an increase in the volume of high-intent rental activity last week except for Western Australia and Tasmania, which fell slightly.
Since the recent low related to COVID-19 serious renter activity has more than doubled in New South Wales (110.2%), Victoria (133.8%) and Australian Capital Territory (140.1%). The smallest gains have occurred in Tasmania (45.2%) and Northern Territory (48.5%).
What about compared to last year?
Nationally, serious renter activity is up 70.5 per cent higher on last year.
The heightened rental activity is being felt in all states and territories with the largest annual increases in Australian Capital Territory (102.0%) and New South Wales (84.3%), while South Australia (20.8%) and Western Australia (41.5%) recorded the smallest increases.
While a lot of people are showing high-intent in their rental searches it remains to be seen whether they will actually move, especially considering there is a rental moratorium in place.
The rental market remains challenged with international borders closed, first-home buyer demand being pulled forward the government’s HomeBuyer initiative and people under the age of 30 being much more likely to have lost their jobs through COVID-19.
While a lot of people are actively looking at rental accommodation it may not be until later in the year when we actually see them moving into new rental accommodation.
CAMERON KUSHER is the Director of Economic Research for the REA Group
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

High-intent renters are still very active on realestate.com.au: Cameron Kusher

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New data released by realestate.com.au reveals that enquiries for new developments have surged since the announcement of the Federal Government’s HomeBuilder scheme in early June.
The REA Insights New Homes Snapshot for July report shows enquiries to developers nationally jumped by almost 63 per cent in the month of June, with land estate enquiries experiencing a 93 per cent lift over the month.
REA Group Executive Manager of Economic Research, Cameron Kusher, said the spike in June followed a bullish 53.9 per cent increase in May, suggesting the announcement of HomeBuilder led to a further surge in the already increasing interest in new properties.
“First home buyer activity increased 28.5 per cent in June when looking specifically at email enquiry on realestate.com.au, and it’s likely some of this activity was a result of the HomeBuilder stimulus announcement,” Kusher said.
“It’s no surprise that land estate new development is benefiting from HomeBuilder given the package is geared towards new builds, there are restrictions on construction timeframes that inhibit apartment development, and the Australian dream is to own a house.”
Dahua Group’s Marketing and Sales Manager, Michael Ching said there has been a notable enquiry increase in the Group’s Tarneit-based development, Orchard which was revealed as Victoria’s most popular house and land development.
“The interest and enquiries on Orchard Tarneit through realestate.com.au have been very strong over the last few months. As a maturing estate, Orchard Tarneit has a variety of land lots to offer including titled lots which fit perfectly into the HomeBuilder scheme,” Michael said.
“The announcement of the HomeBuilder scheme saw enquiries in Orchard Tarneit increase by 200% in June as compared to enquiries recorded in May. As a result, we have released more land lots to cater to the increased demand.”
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Enquiries for new developments surged in June following governments HomeBuilder scheme: realestate.com.au

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REA Group has updated the market that the COVID-19 pandemic has put an end to signs of recovery in the real estate market.
It reported a drop across new residential listings of 33% nationally in April, with the website business working to offset the anticipated revenue loss with cost-saving initiatives.
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Weakness in new listing volumes saw April national residential listings down 33%, with Sydney down 18% and Melbourne down 27%.
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Its Q4 operating experiences are expected to be 20% lower than the previous year.
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REA Group has a cash balance of $135m as of 30 April 2020 but has entered into an additional $149 million loan facility.
<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/2020/5/8/REA%20results.jpg" alt="">
It isn’t expected to be drawn in the short term.
The CEO Owen Wilson said he was incredibly proud of the way the business has handled the pandemic impact.
“Prior to the impact of COVID-19, the market recovery was in full flight with very strong listing in the weeks leading up to mid-March.
"In February we saw record audience numbers and strong buyer interest, reinforcing signs of the positive market momentum.
“Our priority has been to help our customers and consumers adapt to the new market conditions by providing the right support measures and new product features.”
REA's share price jumped over seven percent in morning trading.
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REA reports 33 percent decline in new national listings

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Realestate.com.au has today announced a new record audience of 10.7 million people for March.
Despite the real estate industry being forced to operate under new guidelines in order to minimise the spread of COVID-19.
The January figure was also a record with a unique audience of 9.3 million across the realestate.com.au platform, approximately three times the number of average monthly visits compared to its nearest competitor, Domain.
Given the lockdown, Realestate.com.au recently launched Digital Inspections with over 44,000 realestate.com.au Buy and Rent listings now featuring digital video tours.
Compared to early March, views of digital video tours are up 96 per cent and views of 3D tours are up 327 per cent.
REA Group Chief Sales Officer Kul Singh said, "REA has been doing everything it can to support the property market through these unprecented times and to deliver ongoing value to customers by providing access to Australia’s largest network of property seekers."
Barry Plant Director and Senior Auctioneer, James Hatzimoisis said new digital features are helping deliver more qualified leads.
“We’re finding that the enquiries we’re currently getting are much more qualified. People may still want to privately inspect a property before they buy it, but features like Digital Inspections make it so much easier for them to make a decision.”
Jellis Craig Armadale Head of Property Management, Sam Nokes said in the last fortnight he has seen an increase in leases signed without tenants physically inspecting the property and expects this trend to continue.
“We have offered virtual inspections for about three years and landlords have only very recently become more willing to lease to tenants who haven’t completed a physical inspection. At the moment people want to visit as few properties as possible and Digital Inspections allow tenants to pre-screen a property,” Sam said.
“We’re also finding that most prospective tenants who view a Digital Inspection and go on to a physical inspection, will then submit an application to lease the property.”
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Record realestate.com.au audience shows unquenched property thirst

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EXPERT OBSERVER
We predict commercial investors will buy up alternative real estate.
Alternative assets are defined as illiquid and traded only through private markets. This includes real estate, private equity, car washes, childcare, medical centres, service stations and self-storage. In short, the property element of anything that is income generating. 
In some cases, real estate debt is classified as alternative. According to a recent report from Cushman &amp; Wakefield, this was a big growth area in 2019. As shown in the chart below, 2019 was a very strong year for commercial property transaction volumes. 
<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/2020/1/28/5_NEWS_ALT.jpg" alt="" width="345" height="194">
While there was disagreement amongst commercial property researchers as to whether it was the highest volume ever recorded, or the second highest, it was certainly a big year, notes Conisbee.
Conisbee explains the significance of this, On one hand, it does show there is no shortage of money – lots of investors, both local and offshore are very keen to buy commercial property in Australia.
There are a lot of reasons for this. Finance is cheap, there is lots of money around, tenant demand is strong and Australia’s relative political and economic stability compared to the rest of the world makes it a safe option. 
It does, however, also mean that a lot of people were selling. In particular, although offshore investors were a big component of the high volumes, they were also big sellers. Part of this may just be a realignment of portfolios (e.g., too much Australia, not enough Canada) but it could also be because some think Australian commercial property is at the top of the cycle, getting too expensive and now is a great time to sell before there is a correction.
In 2020, conditions are likely to continue to be positive for most sectors. 
Office vacancies remain very low in Melbourne and Sydney and are falling in Brisbane and Perth. 
Industrial demand continues and high yielding alternative assets are popular with those wanting a decent return. 
Development site values are likely to rise as the residential market continues to recover. There are however a few negatives – conditions for retail property continue to deteriorate. 
Unless your tenant is a luxury retailer or you are in an inner urban area that has seen lots of new apartments, you are probably getting minimal rental growth, at best, or are struggling to get a tenant. The bushfires are also likely to have mixed impacts – global real estate firm, Heitman, has dropped their attractiveness ranking for Melbourne and Sydney over concerns about climate change and fire risk. On the other hand, the rebuilding effort could be positive for demand for some commercial property types.
Nerida Conisbee is the chief economist for REA Group.
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nconisbee-4KnoX9XmtH

Commercial investors to buy up alternative real estate: Nerida Conisbee

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Overall listings in Australia are down 3% over the past six months with Sydney driving the overall decline, according to the latest HY2019 financial report of the digital website, Realestate.com.au. 
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In January 2019 overall residential listings were down 11% with Sydney down 19% and Melbourne down 13%. 
The update to shareholders advised January is seasonally a low listings month therefore movements are not typically representative of the longer term. 
As previously advised, the rate of revenue growt.h is expected to exceed the rate of cost growth for both the second half and the full year, however, this will not be the case in the third quarter, it foreshadowed
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The report noted, that in the second half of FY19 listings may be impacted by federal and state elections.
Despite "unfavourable market conditions" REA profits were up 16% in Australia and 15% overall.
REA Group shares also had strong outcomes in HY19 with earnings per share were up 20%.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/2/8/REA%20GROUP.JPG" alt="">
The report also referenced ongoing declines in dwelling commencements.
REA Group reported monthly visits to realestate.com.au rose to 73.4 million, meaning it has nearly tripled views of its nearest competitor, Domain.
The new REA Group CEO, Owen Wilson said it was "an exceptional start to the year."
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In Australia, where revenue grew 15% to $443.2m for the half, the results were driven by an increase in revenue from the residential business of 16% to $302m and the inclusion of the Hometrack business.
"The result was delivered in unfavourable market conditions with national listings decreasing 3% (including listing declines of 10% in Sydney and 1% in Melbourne over the half). 
The revenue growth reflected the price changes which took effect from 1 July 2018.
The commercial and developer businesses achieved 10% revenue growth despite the continued decline in new project commencements, driven by an increase in project profile duration.
Tighter lending conditions and the uncertainty from the Financial Services Royal Commission on broker recruitment resulted in flat underlying revenue growth in its financial services business.
"These conditions are likely to continue for the remainder of the financial year further reducing settlement volumes and impacting revenue growth in the second half," Wilson said.
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Ryan O’Hara steps down from the REA Group Board, having been appointed to the board as a nominee of majority shareholder News Corp Australia in 2017.
The former CEO Tracey Fellows will remain on the REA board representing News Corp.
REA shares were down 3.95% this morning to $74.86.
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Real estate listings down 3% led by Sydney: REA Group

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The REA Group’s chief financial officer Owen Wilson has been promoted to CEO of REA Group, replacing Tracey Fellows.
Fellows will <a href="/news/tracey-fellows-steps-down-as-boss-of-rea-group">step down from her role in January</a> to become president of global digital real estate at News Corp in New York.
The new CEO joined REA Group in 2014.
Wilson’s previous roles include positions at MacLeod Group, where he was CFO and company secretary, as well as chief operating officer at ANZ’s Institutional and Investment Bank.
Hamish McLennan, chairman of the REA Group board, said Wilson had played a critical role in the group’s growth.
“He has a deep understanding of the company, our long-term strategy and the importance of our customers in driving business success,” McLennan said.
"The board has a long-term commitment to succession planning, and I am pleased that this internal appointment reflects the strength of our REA Group talent,” he said.
He commences his new role on January 7 with plans to expand the real estate listings company’s Asia operations as part of his growth strategy.
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Owen Wilson promoted to replace Tracey Fellows at REA Group

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REA Group have announced the departure of Realestate.com.au chief executive Tracey Fellows, who will become the president of News Corp's global digital real estate based in New York.
She will start her new role early next year and will be responsible for driving strategy and growth across all of News Corp’s digital real estate interests.
Over her tenure, the REA Group share price has gone from $46 to $76, peaking at $94 in June.
Fellows, who took the helm in 2014 having previously been in senior positions at Microsoft and Australia Post, said it has been a privilege working the the team and the board at REA, which has News Corp as its majority shareholder.
“It’s one of the exciting things about the opportunity; it allows me to take on a new challenge while continuing to work alongside these incredible people - all in an industry I am so passionate about," Fellow said.
"I feel very fortunate. There could not be a more exciting time for a role like this.”
Fellows will stay on the REA Group board on behalf of News Corp.
News Corp chief executive Robert Thomson said Fellows is an inspiring leader and is able to bring out the best in teams and individuals.
“Tracey has driven the rapid expansion of the digital real estate business in Australia and Asia and we believe her leadership internationally will ensure that all of our digital property companies realize their extraordinary potential," Thomson said.
“Audiences, revenue and profits at REA Group have all expanded significantly during Tracey’s tenure as CEO. She has been an irrepressible innovator and has led the company into intelligent adjacencies, such as financial services and property data, which have broadened the revenue base and built a platform for future growth.
“We are keen to capitalize on our sterling success in digital real estate by driving even faster growth in our existing businesses, such as realtor.com®, where Ryan O’Hara and his team have successfully transformed the business, and in seeking out new investment opportunities.
"Tracey is the perfect person to deliver on both of those imperatives for our company and our investors.”
Hamish McLennan, chairman of the REA Group board of directors, said REA Group has seen exceptional transformation and growth since Tracey took the helm in 2014.
"She has the extraordinary ability to harness the power of people, technology and data and has built strong cultural and operational foundations that will drive our growth into the future.
"The Board and I are enormously grateful to Tracey for all she has done and wish her every success in her exciting new role and look forward to continuing to work with her.
It's the second major move by a real estate listing website this year.
Earlier this year Domain appointed former <a href="/news/domain-appoints-googles-jason-pellegrino-as-new-ceo">Google managing director Jason Pellegrino</a> after the shock departure of <a href="/news/melbournite-antony-catalanos-shock-departure-from-domain-as-family-demands">Anthony Catalano</a>.
 
 
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