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

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REA Group have announced a revenue jump despite Sydney listings shrinking over the last three months.
Listings were down eight percent in Sydney and one percent in Melbourne over the three months to September.
There was a three percent decrease in listings nationally in the September quarter.
Melbourne improved in the month of October, seeing a four percent increase in listings, while Sydney continued its downward trajectory at 12 percent less listings.
REA Group's submission to the ASX says "market conditions are not expected to improve in the short term."
They referred to the BIS Oxford forecast that new apartment commencements indicates a continued decline for the remainer of this financial year.
"Listings may be weaker in the lead up to the NSW election in MArch, while the impact of the Federal election is harder to predict," REA Group advised the ASX.
The realestate.com.au app was launched on average 27.2 million times a month during the quarter.
REA Group's revenue grew 17 percent to $221.9 million in the September quarter.
REA Group chief executive Tracey Fellows said the strong results demonstrate, despite tougher market conditions, our customers and consumers are clearly seeing value in the products and experiences we are creating.
"When it is time to buy or sell, Australians recognise they only need to visit one place."
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/11/8/REA-Figures.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge.</a>
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Last month Domain noted in the last financial quarter, Sydney new listings were down 8% and auction volumes down 22%. Melbourne results were 1% and 18% in these respective fields.
 
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Sydney property listings down eight percent: REA Group

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REA Group Limited has announced that realestate.com.au Pty Ltd has entered into an agreement to buy Hometrack Australia Pty Ltd.
The deal, subject to approval by the ACCC, is believed to be around $130 million.
Hometrack Australia is a residential property data company and a subsidiary of Hometrack Data Systems, which is owned by the UK listed ZPG Plc (Zoopla Property Group Plc).
It was only 15 months ago ZPG bought the research analysis business. They spent £120 million ($218 million).
Hometrack provides instant valuations of properties online without the need for a valuer to asses or visit the property.
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The Hometrack Australia management team will continue to be led by CEO Brendan Darcy.
Hometrack Australia is forecast to deliver revenue between $13 million to $15 million and EBITDA between $6 million to $7 million for their financial year ended 30 September 2018. 
There would also be cost synergies realised in the REA business once the Hometrack business is fully integrated into REA’s platforms.
REA Group CEO Tracey Fellows it represented a natural extension for realestate.com.au. 
"The acquisition allows us to deliver more property data and insights to our customers and consumers.”
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

REA Group seeks to buy Hometrack Australia 

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Estate agent John McGrath is departing the board of the REA Group.
He has been on the board since its 1999 float. He was its chairman for four years until 2007.
McGrath was an early adopter of new technology, instrumental in seeing the digital real estate website eventually succeeding in what had been a sales industry slow to embrace change. In 2000 McGrath convinced Lachlan Murdoch to take equity, in a deal that saved the small internet start-up from a dotcom implosion. Pamela Williams' book, Killing Fairfax noted the two young men had met on the board of the Museum of Contemporary Art Young Patrons group.
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REA Group announced that McGrath will step down from the board on 16 January 2018.
Chairman Hamish McLennan acknowledged McGrath’s service to the Board.
“Mr McGrath’s lengthy contribution to the REA Group has been highly regarded by the board.
"I am particularly grateful for his invaluable industry knowledge.
"He leaves the group with a multi-billion dollar market capitalisation and we wish him the best of luck”. 
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A search for a new independent director is now being undertaken. 
McGrath has been the only board member directly connected to the Australian real estate industry since the 2012 departure of Sam White.
McGrath's final director's interest statement advised he had 146,000 shares which were trading at $74 a share.
McGrath, who began his now listed estate agency in 1988, remains an executive director at the McGrath group.
The REA Group's humble beginnings in 1995 was a garage in Doncaster, in the Eastern suburbs of Melbourne, as noted in Killing Fairfax: Packer, Murdoch and the Ultimate Revenge by Pamela Williams, published by HarperCollins in 2013.
Martin Howell and Karl Sabljak, who had been working at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) as computer systems administrators, registered the realestate.com.au URL in August 1995.
In August 1999 Andrew Barnes oversaw negotiations for Macquarie Bank to to buy a controlling stake of 51 per cent for just under $1 million.
With Andrew Barnes as chairman, and 15 million shares issued at 50¢, realestate.com.au was admitted to the Australian Stock Exchange in December 1999.  
While it opened at $1.50 a share in December, 1999, it was trading between 15¢ and 20¢ in 2000.
On November 30, 2000, News Limited announced it had invested cash of $2.25 million in realestate.com.au, plus advertising, marketing and other contra for a total investment worth $10.75 million in the deal negotiated by Lachlan Murdoch.
In 2013, Rupert Murdoch expressed his delight at having its REA investment.
"And I don’t remember Lachlan even asking me about it,” he added.
News Limited took an initial 44 per cent stake with an option to acquire a further 10 million shares over the next five years.
Macquarie Bank would remain a shareholder but News would acquire the outstanding amount of Macquarie’s loan facilities. 
The digital website company now has a $9.75 billion market capitalisation. News Limited holds 61 percent.
The Domain website at John Fairfax &amp; Sons was launched in October 1999, four years behind realestate.com.au.
In May 2001 Red Sheriff, a company which audited website traffic statistics, revealed realestate.com.au had shot past Fairfax’s domain.com.au with more visitors to its site. 
"Horrifyingly for Fairfax, domain.com.au had fallen to second place," Pam Williams wrote.
"It was a moment in time when the advertising world that had been comprehensively dominated by Fairfax showed its first cracks," she wrote.
Now listed separately, Domain's market cap is $1.9 billion.
 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

John McGrath exits REA Group board after 18 year stint

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More than one-third of Australians have no interest in getting to know their neighbours, according to a recent study by realestate.com.au.
The same survey said that 15 per cent said they go out of their way to avoid speaking to a neighbour, while one in five revealed they’d previously had a dispute with someone living in their street.
Realestate.com.au executive general manager of Residential, Andrew Rechtman, said the findings showed that for the most part Ramsay Street really is more fiction than fact.
“The results are somewhat surprising when you consider Australians are known for their relaxed and friendly nature, but it seems that doesn’t always extend to our neighbours. We need to take a leaf out of Ramsay Street,” he said.
“We know that when people are searching for a home one of the first questions they ask is – what are the neighbours like and what will my neighbourhood be like? Good neighbours can make or break a street, which is why understanding and getting insights on a potential neighbourhood can often give a buyer the confidence to make an offer on a house.” 
Survey key findings:
•More than a third of Australians don’t have any interest in getting to know their neighbours (37 per cent);
•15 per cent of Australians go out of their way to avoid speaking to neighbours;
•One in 10 admits to spying on a neighbour (10 per cent);
•One in five Australians has had a dispute with a neighbour (20 per cent);
•More than one in 10 uses their neighbour’s bin without asking them (11 per cent).
“Stronger neighbourhood relationships foster a deeper sense of community and a greater support network. We know that more connected neighbours can lead to safer communities, as residents are more inclined to look out for one another,” Rechtman said.
There was not a major difference in responses between capital city dwellers and those living in regional/rural areas. Responses were also similar between age groups, the survey revealed.
“The common perception is that older Australians have stronger relationships with their neighbours than younger people, but it seems that isn’t the case. Baby Boomers are avoiding their neighbours just as much as Gen Y,” Rechtman said. 
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Australians not so neighbourly: realestate.com.au study  

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Recent moves by the REA Group and Domain into the broking space will likely not be a smooth journey for the property search websites, according to senior executives of two mortgage fintechs.
Realestate.com.au recently acquired an 80% controlling stake in mortgage broking franchise Smartline and announced a partnership with lending major NAB. Meanwhile, the Fairfax-owned Domain Group said it is set to launch Domain Loan Finder, in partnership with mortgage platform Lendi.
Founder and CEO of online brokerage uno., Vince Turner told The Adviser said while the moves by Domain and REA’s realestate.com.au site were “logical”, the companies could face “challenges” in the mortgage business.
“These guys have a lot of eyeballs, a big audience, and their traditional line of business in terms of advertising [such as website advertising via cost per click] is now going into the nominal value territory. They are not on the way out yet, but they will be soon,” said Turner.
“So, from Domain or REA’s point of view, they have to think what their transactions are that they can monetise … So, you can see why they want to get into transactional mortgages, that’s the logical part.”
But he said it was a challenge from both a cultural and customer perspective.
“You could argue that it’s pretty hard to get out of bed in the morning and be a media company [publishing company Fairfax owns Domain] and a financial services company.”
Online brokerage HashChing CEO Mandeep Sodhi said the new moves from Domain and realestate.com.au could upset the market as these have been traditionally seen as helpful, independent websites for consumers to research their home or investment property. 
Sodhi said their partnerships with mortgage broking platforms could restrict choice in the market.
“Pushing borrowers to one group of brokers – who may not have access to all the banks and lenders – means they could unwittingly miss out on home loan products that better suit their needs.”
Sochi added that brokers could be negatively affected, as the two sites had historically been “strong sources for generating leads for aggregators to date” and brokers who are not members of the partnered mortgage broking platforms would now have to look for new lead sources.
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REA and Domain's move into broking space won't be easy, say fintechs

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Property search platforms realestate.com.au and domain.com.au are poised to enter the broking space.
Domain Loan Finder is set to launch in early July, teaming up with Lendi, it announced today.
Lendi managing director, David Hyman, said he was looking forward to bringing an integrated home loan experience to the property buying process.
“With more and more consumers turning to online channels as part of their home loan research, there’s a huge opportunity to enhance that journey with contextual and relevant engagement as they progress through the property buying journey.”
Domain Loan Finder will operate as a joint venture with Lendi’s parent entity, Auscred Pty Ltd, with Domain holding a 60% stake.
The amount invested in the JV remains confidential.
Lendi started in 2013 as an online and phone-based broking business backed by major institutional investors and venture capital.
Realestate.com.au recently acquired an 80% controlling stake in mortgage broking franchise Smartline. 
And earlier this year Realestate.com.au and lending major NAB announced they were building a realestate.com.au-branded mortgage broking business for launch later this year as the online platform looks to cash in on the 5.9 million unique visitors a month to its website.
Tracy Fellows, CEO of owner REA Group, said the partnership was a vote of confidence in broking. 
“We’re excited to be partnering with NAB to build a new mortgage broking solution. The way people want to look for and buy property is changing. We want to make it easier for Australians to access the help and experience of a mortgage broker through the digital channels they’re already using to find their new home.”
The REA Group said consumers would have access to a “broad panel of lenders, including NAB home loans and a realestate.com.au branded white label product.” 
Smartline will keep its branding and continue to operate under its current management, who retain a 19.7% share in the business for at least the next three years, the MPA said.
“We’re delivering on our promise to simplify property search and financing by offering genuine choice when it comes to finding the right home loan,” REA Group’s executive director of Financial Services Andrew Russell said.
It was not clear whether Smartline brokers will get access to leads from realestate.com.au. 
REA Group said “we will be working with Smartline to explore how both businesses can leverage each other’s scale and capability for the longer term.”
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Realestate.com.au and Domain.com.au launching home loan broking services

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The most viewed properties on realestate.com.au in 2016 were dream homes near the beach or million dollar mansions with water views.
Size and price seemed to be a key factor when it came to property voyeurism.
A Mermaid Beach Queensland offering headed the top 10 most viewed properties on realestate.com.au from 1 January to 30 November 2016.
1. Mermaid Beach, QLD
The most viewed home on realestate.com.au this year was a Mermaid Beach property designed by architect Bayden Goddard.
The <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/122480410" target="_blank">large home</a> has six bedrooms, six bathrooms, along with luxury features such as a steam room, a garage for 11 cars, a double height glass atrium and a teppanyaki pavillion.
he 2833 square metre beachfront sold for $25 million in October.
It has been viewed more than 445,061 times. 
Tidemark was the Mermaid Beach home of the Billabong executive Scott Perrin.
It sold to the Caulfield Rich Lister Manny Stul, the owner of the company behind the Shopkins toy craze, and wife, Jaqui.
He was the first Australian to be named Ernst &amp; Young World Entrepreneur of the Year.
Stul is the executive chairman of Melbourne-based Moose Enterprises.
Selling agent Michael Kollosche said the sale was the culmination of five months marketing.
A Chinese buyer had agreed in June to pay $27.8 million but the deal faltered on foreign investment issues.
The Perrin price is not a record residential sale for the Gold Coast.
In 2008 BreakFree founder Tony Smith sold an uncompleted mansion in Hedges Avenue to later-failed internet whiz Daniel Tzvetkoff for $27 million.
2. Rose Bay, NSW
Designed by Peter Janks and David Walker, this <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://realestate.com.au/121975122" target="_blank">five-bedroom home</a> offers views of Sydney Harbour along with a large pool, home cinema, sauna, garage for eight cars and a gym.
<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/2016/12/22/House-2.jpg" alt="">
The trophy home remains on the market. The 19 Bayview Hill Road offering is the harbour side mansion of billionaire Brett Blundy who bought the home in 2013 for $33 million and settled in February this year before relisting it in the same month.
Currently on the market with Pillinger Double Bay and co-agency McGrath's Hamish Robertson, the home had initially hit the market in February with hopes of $45 million.
3. Adelaide, SA
A 1890s Victorian Gothic home in Adelaide that retains heritage features was the third most viewed. It is for sale at $4.75 million.
St Corantyn, an old time, but now restored Adelaide CBD trophy home, overlooks Victoria Park. It has been the home to some noteworthy South Australians, including the late 1920s Lord Mayor, Sir John Boynthon.
The 1890s East Terrace house, once known as Eothen, was listed by Discount City Carpets managing director Martin Williams and his wife Gill.
They paid $802,888 for the property in 1993 and are selling after some two decades of renovations.
It has six bedrooms, four bathrooms, a grand hall, billiard room with bar, home office, gym, outdoor kitchen and a spa. All thoroughly modern that when it was built by architect George Klewitz Soward for his sister and her husband.
Listing agent Steve Meins of Ouwens Casserly Adelaide suggested city land can be around $3000 per sqm, which places the 1727 sqm land value alone at around $5.2 million.
It comes with the ornate plaster roses, leadlight bay windows, hand-carved timber detailing and high ceilings at 263 East Terrace.
<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/2016/12/22/House-3.jpg" alt="">
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-sa-adelaide-122554626" target="_blank">property</a> has been modernised and now includes contemporary features such as an outdoor kitchen.
4.  Warrandyte, VIC
A Warrandyte <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/122831914" target="_blank">trophy home</a> sold for $3.35 million through Barry Plant in August. Its location enjoys convenient access to well-regarded local schools, bus transport, Warrandyte eateries, The Pines Shopping Centre, the Eastern Freeway and Yarra River bike paths.
<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/2016/12/22/House-4.jpg" alt="">
The five-bedroom, six-bathroom home with a floating staircase, open plan living and a large pool also has floor-to-ceiling windows which make the most of the picturesque views.
5. Sovereign Islands, QLD
Coming in at number five, was a <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-sovereign+islands-122269482" target="_blank">Sovereign Islands home</a>, Villa Blue Waters that was a finalist on Foxtel's Australia's best home series.
<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/2016/12/22/House-5.jpg" alt="">
The six-bedroom home comes with nine bathrooms along with a garage for at least eight cars, a home cinema with candy bar, a custom-made glass elevator, granite cocktail bar and a teppanyaki cabana.
This 1950 square metre property is still on the market having been listed in 2015. 
It's the glamourous Paradise Point property last bought for $3.45 million in 2013 from Christian Ainsworth.
Villa Blue Waters had previously traded in 2010 for $7.2 million when sold by Gary McPherson.
With a 1950 sqm waterfront holding, the estate boasts a 64 metre straight line private marina frontage and a 70 metre super yacht marina berth, the largest in Queensland.
The are nine bathrooms and five kingsize bedrooms.
The property features a Versace Italian mosaic hydrotherapy room, a Turkish plunge spa and a waterfront gymnasium.
There's a floating helipad for those celebrity landings that presumably rattles the Swarovski crystal chandeliers. 
6. Hamilton, QLD
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-hamilton-122160486" target="_blank">Ruhamah</a> is a charming Queenslander at Hamilton in Brisbane with modern touches that is now for sale through Sotheby's International for the first time in over 25 years.
<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/2016/12/22/House-6.jpg" alt="">
The six-bedroom home sits on a 4258 square metre block and includes two formal dining rooms, a billiards room, chandeliers, pressed-metal ceilings, a kitchen and butler’s pantry, tennis court, pool and underground parking for seven cars.
7. Henley Beach, SA
This <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/121933550" target="_blank">charming home</a> looks like a classic Adelaide sandstone on the outside but includes a modern extension out the back with a contemporary pool and entertaining area.
<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/2016/12/22/House-7.jpg" alt="">
There is a large cellar with a glass roof that can be viewed from above in the large open-plan kitchen and living area at the back of the property at 490 Seaview Road.
The four-bedroom Henley Beach home sold for $1.45 million in September through Toop &amp; Toop.
8. Ascot, QLD
A <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-ascot-122627518" target="_blank">designer home</a> in Ascot sat 8th on the list. Perched high on Bartley's Hill, 10 Morgan Street was designed for the current owners by Brisbane architect James Forbes. It is listed through Matt Lancashire at Ray White New Farm.
<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/2016/12/22/House-8.jpg" alt="">
Set over three levels, this five-bedroom home sits on a 912 square metre block.
9. Ascot, QLD
Another in Ascot, a <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property/27-sutherland-ave-ascot-qld-4007" target="_blank">six-bedroom home</a> sold in March for $8.6 million.
<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/2016/12/22/House-9.jpg" alt="">
The Hamptons-style home has an outdoor kitchen and entertaining area next to the large pool and spa.
10 Brighton, VIC
Rounding out the top 10 list was a recently built chateau-style <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-brighton-122729070" target="_blank">home</a> in the bayside Melbourne suburb of Brighton. It came with the limestone, chandeliers and manicured garden areas, but has struggled to find a buyer.
<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/2016/12/22/House-10.jpg" alt="">
The luxury five-bedroom home sits on an 1182sqm block at 10 Glyndon Avenue.
It was the 10th most viewed property on realestate.com.au in 2016 with more than 280,980 views. It remains listed through Sotheby's International.
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Realestate.com.au's most viewed home listings of 2016 revealed

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National Australia Bank (NAB) and realestate.com.au have announced a five year partnership aimed at combining the property search with securing finance.
“By partnering with NAB, we are building a truly innovative solution that will marry property search and property finance,” said Tracey Fellows, CEO of REA Group, which operates realestate.com.au.
“We will be assisting home buyers throughout their entire property journey, whether it be buying, renting, investing or selling.”
Anthony Cahill, COO at NAB, said that the partnership would combine online property searching and home lending in a manner unseen both nationally and globally.
“We’re combining our respective expertise to deliver more to Australian property buyers and create a game-changing experience,” he said.
With the partnership just announced, details on the exact products to be offered have yet to be announced.
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Realestate.com.au website partners with NAB to offer home loans

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Realestate.com.au have launched Energy Scores, which will for the first time give properties in Australia their own energy efficiency rating.
The tool will give property seekers an indication of how energy efficient their next home could be.
It allows homeowners to better understand energy usage, associated costs and where they could potentially reduce their energy expenditure.
There is also the option for Australians to ‘claim’ their own home, either as an owner or renter, and input more information about their own energy usage to refine the score.
Refined Energy Scores provide users with a more detailed breakdown and analysis of their own energy usage habits.
<img src="/images/2016/11/22/Screen%20Shot%202016-11-22%20at%2011.25.46%20AM.png" alt="">
As energy costs continue to rise across Australia, 76 percent of realestate.com.au users surveyed recently say they are concerned about the cost of electricity, while 79% state that they are actively trying to conserve energy as much as they can1.
To create Energy Scores, realestate.com.au partnered with Tendril, a global expert in data analytics and home energy modelling.
REA Group chief digital officer Henry Ruiz said they know the important of energy efficiency in the home.
"We know that being energy efficient is essential to running any household, and yet it's something we don't often think about other than when we're paying our bills," he said.
"We’re working towards providing a rich view of every property on realestate.com.au.
"Energy Scores may offer deeper insights into the energy efficiency of a property, helping Australians make more educated decisions on their next purchase or rental, or even improve the home they already live in.”
Hunter Albright, Tendril senior vice president of new markets said the company are excited to work with realestate.com.au on this global first.
"We think this approach will provide an engaging experience while educating people on how their homes use energy and the steps they can take to be more efficient," he said.
“Realestate.com.au Energy Scores will enable consumers to better understand energy usage, potential running costs and how to implement potential energy savings.”
To sign up for Energy Scores <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property" target="_blank">click here.</a>
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Realestate.com.au launch Energy Scores for residential property

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Residential listings can now be seen in virtual reality on realestate.com.au with the release of a new app on Google's mobile virtual reality platform Daydream.
The toolkit is built on Matterport’s VR Software Development Kit (SDK) with the number of properties available in VR to increase as the technology is more widely adopted.
Nigel Dalton, REA Group chief inventor said it is Australia’s first property app on Daydream. realestate VR will change the way people experience and interact with property.
"By 2020, most Australian homes will have VR headsets, and we’re confident the leading real estate agents will embrace virtual reality to create a brand new experience for a whole new generation of property seekers," he said.
<img src="/images/2016/11/11/realestate%20VR%202.jpg" alt="">
"The simplest practical example of virtual reality creating time for people is open for inspections. Instead of mum, partner and the kids running across town to view potential properties, either to purchase or rent, this time-consuming process could now happen in one place in just a matter of minutes.”
Matt Bell, Matterport chief strategy officer said Matterport's VR SDK allows anyone to quickly create VR applications using real-world content, enabling VR to be rapidly adopted across a range of industries.
Realestate VR by realestate.com.au is available in the Google Play Store for use on Daydream View, Google’s mobile VR headset and controller. For more information, visit <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/vr/" target="_blank">www.realestate.com.au/vr/</a>
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