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

Reits

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Sentinel Property Group has revamped its executive leadership structure as its looks to take advantage of any opportunities in the commercial real estate sector arising from the economic challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sentinel managing director and CEO Warren Ebert said with the Group also marking its 10th year of operations, the continued execution of its succession plan would coincide with the next phase of the non-listed real estate investment trust’s (REIT) growth.
"Many of our office, retail and industrial properties have a strong tenant base and provide us with a solid income stream, even in these challenging times," said Ebert who will become the group’s executive chairman and chief investment officer, effective from July 1, 2020.
Its chief operating officer (COO) Stacey Jones has been appointed CEO, effective from the same date.
Sentinel was established by Mr Ebert in 2010 when the commercial property market was still recovering from the global financial crisis.
Sentinel has since built a national portfolio of more than 50 retail, industrial, office, land, tourism infrastructure and agribusiness assets with a total value in excess of $1.13 billion.
“The Sentinel philosophy has been to see opportunity where others fear to tread and there were many instances post-GFC,” Mr Ebert said.
“How lucky are we to find ourselves with another opportunity to achieve more strong results for our highly valued investors.”
While Sentinel has still performed strongly since the COVID-19 outbreak, Mr Ebert said the strengthening of the management structure in line with the succession plan was timely with the impact on the economy prompting a review of the Group’s operations.
“This has been a good time to look at how we are doing things and I believe the move away from being CEO will allow me to step back and focus more on our investors, sales and acquisitions, leasing, value-add opportunities as well as Ebert family business,” he said.
“Our plan for Stacey to take on direct full-time responsibility for the management of the Sentinel office is timely: all staff are now all back to work full-time in our Brisbane CBD headquarters after mixing working from home with returning to the office two to three days a week.”
After almost a decade as a commercial property lawyer, Stacey Jones joined Sentinel in 2012 as an investor; her initial executive role was as General Counsel. She quickly moved to COO, where she demonstrated her leadership abilities and passion for the organisation. 
 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Leadership revamp for Sentinel

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Investec Australia Property Fund has announced plans to pursue an ASX listing and associated capital raising.
The fund plans to raise approximately $100 million through the issue of 76.9 million new units.
IAPF CEO Graeme Katz said that following the ASX listing, the fund will delist from the BSX and will be dual primary listed on the JSE and ASX.
“Following the recent acquisition of 24 Wormald Street in Canberra, and given the current favourable conditions in the Australian REIT market, Investec Property Limited as responsible entity of the Fund has decided to pursue the ASX listing and associated capital raising,” Katz said.
“The proceeds from the capital raising will be used to repay debt and pay the costs associated with the offer, and will result in the Fund’s gearing reducing to approximately 29%n.
“If the ASX listing proceeds, the Fund will be dual primary listed on both the ASX and the JSE. We believe this is an important strategic initiative which will provide the Fund with a more diversified pool of capital to allow it to grow and diversify its property portfolio.”
Further information on the ASX listing and the offer, as well as a special distribution, has been published on <a href="http://www.iapf.com.au" target="_blank">the fund’s website</a>.
The announcement was contained in the fund's financial results statement which declared a final distribution of 5.18 cents per unit, pre-withholding tax, headlining the figures.
Post withholding tax, the cents per unit distribution was 4.75.
Both were slightly higher than the 2018 distributions of 5.08 and 4.65 respectively.
This total distribution for the year was 10.23 cents per unit pre-withholding tax and 9.40 cents per unit post withholding tax.
IAPF said this represents growth for the full year of 2.0% pre-WHT and 1.2% post-WHT, which is in line with guidance given to the market.
Katz said the financial result reflects the fund’s strategy of acquiring properties in established office or industrial precincts supported by key infrastructure, optimising returns through active asset management and the efficient management of the balance sheet and interest rates.
“We are continually looking at ways to improve the tenant experience, whether by improving our management processes or investing in the portfolio through planned or discretionary capital expenditure,” Katz said.
“Ensuring our portfolio remains relevant and understanding users’ occupancy requirements is critical in retaining existing tenants and attracting new tenants which ultimately drives revenue growth.
“During the year we entered into leases over approximately 12%a of the portfolio with only 1 417m2 remaining vacant and 48% of leases expiring after five years.”
IAPF’s portfolio now comprises 28 assets valued at $1063 million, with a gearing ratio as at 31 March 2019 of 38.1%.
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Investec announces ASX listing and capital raising plans

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Brisbane-based fund manager Cromwell Property Group is seeking to acquire London-listed RDI REIT.
Cromwell confirmed this morning to the ASX it has made an approach to the board of RDI regarding a potential transaction.
"Any transaction would be consistent with Cromwell’s strategy to work with our capital partners to grow funds under management and continue to expand its investment footprint in the UK and Europe." the submission said.
Over half of Cromwell’s $11.5 billion of assets under management as at 31 December 2018 is concentrated in Europe.
Discussion are ongoing between the parties.
"There can be no certainty that a formal offer will be made nor as to the terms of any offer," Cromwell Group went on to say.
By law, Cromwell is required to have announced a firm intention to make an offer or announce it does not intend to make an offer by April 23.
The deadline can be extended with the consent of the UK Takeover Panel.
RDI, whose largest investments include Wigan's Grand Arcade, St George's Shopping Centre in Harrow and West Orchards Shopping Centre in Coventry, is independently valued at £1.65 billion.
Their shares last closed at £1.30.
 
 
 
 
 
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Cromwell Property Group make approach to acquire London-listed RDI

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Joel Cann has resigned from Aspen Group to pursue another opportunity.
His resignation will take effect on Friday 12 April 2019.
Clive Appleton, chairman of Aspen Group, has thanked Cann for his efforts over the past two and a half years.
The listed property minnow Aspen Group appointed the property veteran in September 2016.
Cann joined Aspen from AMB Capital Partners, where he was the founding managing director.
Last month Aspen Group announced its financial results for the year ended 31 December 2018 recording a statutory profit of $0.4 million, the significant components of which include:
<ul>
<li>
Operating profit after tax of $1.5 million
Offset by:
</li>
<li>
Revaluation decrement of $0.7 million;
</li>
<li>
Acquisition costs incurred of $0.2 million; and
</li>
<li>
Professional fees of $0.2 million.
</li>
</ul>
Cann said 1H FY19 continued the significant steps taken towards a goal of being a major owner and operator in the Australian affordable accommodation sector.
It acquired its sixth tourism park, Highway 1 in Adelaide SA, which was settled in Q2 FY19.
The acquisition was valued at $23 million.
He noted headwinds at a number of assets including Darwin FreeSpirit where corporate accommodation demand fell in line with reduced major project activity, Adelaide came off of a strong FY18 period that include Ashes and major event activity whilst Tomago reduced available inventory pending the redevelopment work to be undertaken in that business.
Development activity significantly advanced during the half with the majority of civil works completed at Four Lanterns in Leppington NSW.
There are 11 residences on site with sales activity resulting in five confirmed sales.
It has also commenced initial works at Tomago in preparation for stage 1 of the 52-site expansion.
The sale of its final non-core asset at Midland WA was completed during 1H FY19, bringing to a conclusion the restructure of the group to an affordable accommodation provider.
The business finished in a net debt position of $16.3 million at the end of the year, post the Highway 1 acquisition, and has $25 million of capacity to deploy towards future acquisitions and investments.
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Joel Cann resigns as listed accommodation firm Aspen Group's chief executive

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Clarence Property is seeking to raise $20 million capital for its Westlawn Property Trust (WPT).
Its previous offering returned 22.1% last financial year and closed oversubscribed at $22 million.
Clarence is forecasting a gross distribution of 8.8% per annum for new investors, backed by the Trust's average annual return of 14.5% over the past three years and 13.8% since its inception in 1994.
WPT recently acquired a 136-lot Yamba Quays development for $70 million.
It is the last canal-front community in New South Wales, following the 1996 State Government legislation to ban further canal development.
WPT portfolio now exceeds $300 million with assets from Yamba to Brisbane.
These include master-planned communities, shopping centres and industrial and commercial buildings.
Clarence Property Managing Director Peter Fahey says the new capital raising will allow WPT to maintain its low loan to value ratio (LVR).
"This past year has been one of our most active yet, with the acquisition of a total $60 million of new assets for WPT, and the continued development of existing projects including our 500-lot Epiq Lennox masterplanned community, which is now home to dozens of families," he said.
"Part of our strategy with WPT is to maintain close to a 50% LVR, so we don't over-borrow to acquire new assets.
"We have just commenced a $5 million renovation program to improve yields and WALE at a number of our regional shopping centres, which have become the backbone of WPT.
"Looking ahead, 2019 should be a fruitful year for WPT as we build on our 1,000-strong investor base and our excellent track record of delivering returns above our forecast distribution."
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Clarence Property raising more capital for Westlawn Property Trust

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Australia’s unlisted property sector has continued its strong run delivering a return of 18% for the 12 months to 30 June 2018, according to a quarterly report produced by Zenith Investment Partners, MSCI, the Property Funds Association and the Property Council of Australia.
The report found that unlisted property outperformed Australian equities (+12.9%) and A-REITs (+9.7%) despite an uptick in equities and A-REITs during the last quarter. 
Mitchell McCallum, Vice President at MSCI, said that the attractiveness of property is backed by relatively high yields compared to other asset classes as well as stable and consistent income, that mostly provides a natural hedge against inflation.
“MSCI’s research shows that rising interest rates do not automatically have to translate in negative returns, but that the general economy is a larger driver of where property returns will go, as, contrary to bond coupons, property income can adjust to shifts in economic growth,” he said.
“We’re continuing to see interest in direct property from overseas investors due to the high income returns compared to those returns in other global gateway cities like London, New York and Tokyo.”
 <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/9/11/unlisted%20property%201.jpg" alt="">
 
Souce: <a id="m_-8793514629263697276LPlnk754225" href="http://www.propertyfunds.org.au/images/Property_Research/Property_Investment_Factsheet_Q2_2018.pdf" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&amp;q=http://www.propertyfunds.org.au/images/Property_Research/Property_Investment_Factsheet_Q2_2018.pdf&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1536710418690000&amp;usg=AFQjCNFynfYRvOEOBY-_sW7mR0vpahV9VQ">Property Investment Factsheet – June 2018</a>
Mark Lumby, Head of Commercial Property at Australian Unity, said ongoing domestic uncertainty would continue to influence the market, but the outlook for unlisted property remained positive. 
“While the detail is unknown for now, we’re anticipating one outcome from the Royal Commission will be the detangling of vertically integrated models which may create a more level playing field for non-bank aligned fund managers,” said Lumby.  
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/9/11/unlisted%20property%202.jpg" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/9/11/unlisted%20property%202.jpg" alt=""> 
Source: <a id="m_-8793514629263697276LPlnk754225" href="http://www.propertyfunds.org.au/images/Property_Research/Property_Investment_Factsheet_Q2_2018.pdf" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&amp;q=http://www.propertyfunds.org.au/images/Property_Research/Property_Investment_Factsheet_Q2_2018.pdf&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1536710418690000&amp;usg=AFQjCNFynfYRvOEOBY-_sW7mR0vpahV9VQ">Property Investment Factsheet – June 2018</a>
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Unlisted property trusts nearly doubling A-REIT performance 

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A former AustralianSuper executive has accused the country's largest superannuation fund of pressuring him to direct investment into a union-linked property trust despite conflicts of interest.
The fund's former head of property Jack McGougan made the accusations in Federal Court action launched against AustralianSuper this week.
His lawyers are seeking damages of $2.17 million, based on $544,000 annual salary for his four years through to his intended retirement, as well as missed bonuses of 80 per cent of his salary and compensation for humiliation, pain and suffering. 
An AustralianSuper spokesman said in a statement to the Australian Financial Review that it denies the McGougan allegations, adding "AustralianSuper always invests in members' best interests".
It comes as the royal commission will shortly looks at super fund governance.
More than 30 super fund directors have been told that they must appear before the commission which will look at related-party dealings.
The two-week block of hearings on super funds in August comes after earlier sessions on consumer lending, financial advice, small business loans, farm finance and dealings with indigenous communities.
McGougan claims he was forced out of his job for opposing moves by chief investment officer Mark Delaney and director Brian Daley to invest in industry-fund controlled developer ISPT.
McGougan says that from 2012, that Delaney, the fund's deputy chief executive, and Daley, the AustralianSuper director and the capital stewardship officer for the Australian Council of Trade Unions, "pressured" him to invest in ISPT.
ISPT is an unlisted property fund and developer set up in 1994 by former ACTU assistant secretary Garry Weaven.
It was co-founded by AustralianSuper.
Its board includes current and former Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy officials.
It is alleged despite an alleged "standing conflict of interest declaration", neither Delany nor Daley absented themselves from AustralianSuper's investment committee decisions involving ISPT, according to court documents.
After McGougan raised concerns over governance issues at the investment committee, Delaney allegedly accused him of not being a "team player".
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AustralianSuper faces claims of conflict of interest following investments in union-linked property trusts 

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<div>Moody's Investors Service says that debt-funded unit buybacks by four rated Australian real estate investment trusts (AREITs) will weaken the companies' credit metrics, but that their good operating performance will also partially allay such concerns.</div>
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<div>The buybacks, all things being equal, will weaken the AREITs' leverage -- expressed as net debt/EBITDA -- in the next 12-18 months, although the actual impact will depend on the amounts undertaken. Unit buybacks are an attractive capital management option for the rated A-REITs, which have low gearing, broadly defined as debt/assets, and their unit prices have traded below net tangible assets. Both reasons support the decision to buy back units rather than pursue acquisitions or redevelopments.</div>
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<div>Key points are as follows –</div>
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<div>» Four rated A-REITs have been buying back units. Scentre Group (A2 stable), Dexus (A3 stable), Mirvac Group (A3 stable) and Charter Hall Retail REIT (Baa1 negative) have initiated buybacks worth up to AUD1.6 billion in total. The unit buybacks are likely to be funded by debt because Australian REITs (A-REITs) pay out most of their earnings as distributions to unit holders. Debt-funded buybacks, all things being equal, will weaken</div>
<div>the A-REITs’ net debt/EBITDA financial leverage in the next 12-18 months. Unlike property purchases or investment in redevelopments, unit buybacks will not increase EBITDA. As a result, net debt/EBITDA will increase, depending on the amount of units repurchased.</div>
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<div>Click here to enlarge.</div>
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<div><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/5/30/MOODYS1.jpg" alt=""></div>
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<div>» Unit buybacks are an attractive capital management option for A-REITs. Most rated A-REITs have low gearing, broadly defined as debt/assets, and their unit prices have traded below net tangible assets. Both reasons support the decision to buy back units rather than pursue acquisitions or redevelopments. Most rated A-REITs’ low gearing reflects a conservative approach to debt, and low cap rates that have increased portfolio</div>
<div>asset values. Also, in many instances, sales of properties have exceeded purchases in Australian dollar terms.</div>
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<div>» Dexus' and Mirvac's metrics will stay within rating thresholds if debt-funded unit buybacks are implemented in full. Purely as a sensitivity analysis, we have assumed the buyback plans had been implemented in full as at December 2017. In this extreme scenario, Dexus and Mirvac would be able to accommodate fully debt-funded unit buybacks within their existing rating thresholds. Charter Hall Retail would not be able to do so, while Scentre would be at the threshold.</div>
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<div>» A-REITs' good operating performance partially allays concerns around weaker credit metrics. We expect solid operating income growth will continue for the rated A-REITs. A-REITs will benefit from annual structured rent increases, which underpin our expectation for comparable net income growth of close to 3% for the sector over the next 12-18 months. High occupancy rates and contracted rental income will support both</div>
<div>the office and retail sectors, while the industrial sector will benefit from strong economic activity and limited space availability, especially in Sydney.</div>
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

REIT's face higher leverage on unit buybacks: Moody's

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The billionaire investor Alex Waislitz in considering launching a listed property fund.
It ill be modelled on his investment companies Thorney Opportunities and Thorney Technologies.
Waislitz, who has made his fortune from investing in ASX-listed small and mid cap companies, has shifted his focus to property over the past few years.
His private Thorney investment group has lent about $20 million to property developers with plans to lend more than $100 million, potentially through a new listed investment company or an unlisted fund revealed to the Australian Financial Review.
Thorney has also partnered in about $1 billion worth of property syndications deals across commercial, residential and industrial deals in the past five years.
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Billionaire Alex Waislitz considers launching a listed property fund

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GUEST OBSERVER
A proposal to increase regulation for unlisted property products could result in fewer products being available to retail investors.
Treasury’s proposed product design and distribution obligations combined with new product intervention powers would lead to consolidation among retail providers of unlisted property funds, and fewer choices for retail investors. 
An increase in compliance, uncertainty and costs would make it harder for boutique and mid-market fund providers. Retail investors will likely miss out as more issuers decide to go wholesale only. 
Many in the small-to-mid-market will find the retail compliance demands too onerous and too costly. 
This could lead to consolidation in the retail market with fewer products available, which won’t benefit the average investor.
The proposed legislation, which could be enacted during 2018, shifts more risk to product providers. Key stumbling blocks include the need for product issuers to identify the ‘appropriate target market’ for their products. 
Legislating this requirement places more risk on the issuer and arguably shifts responsibility from the financial adviser to the product issuer. 
Unlisted property funds will need to spend more on compliance, legal advice, and possibly consumer testing to satisfy these requirements. Those funds which do go ahead will be under pressure to pass these increased compliance costs on to investors.
Investors must be protected but investors also benefit from product innovation, much of which comes via boutique providers. There is a balancing act between appropriate compliance measures and the freedom to bring new and innovative products to market. 
ASIC already has the tools available to protect unlisted property investors. There is strong demand among retail investors for unlisted property vehicles and we need to ensure industry can continue to bring appropriate, high performing products to this market.
Paul Healy is CEO of <a href="http://www.propertyfunds.org.au/" target="_blank">Property Funds Association</a>, an industry body for the $125 billion Australian unlisted wholesale and retail property funds sector. 
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