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

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Bob Johnston will head the Frasers Property Australia and Australand Property Group combination.
Having guided ­Australand since headhunted from Lend Lease in 2007, Johnston will head the diversified property groups with over 500 staff across the country.
The chief executive of Frasers ­Property ­Australia, Guy Pahor will step down as chief executive though he will remain with the new group as an adviser, the Australian Financial Review reports.
Australand was taken over for $2.6 billion by the Singapore-based Frasers Centrepoint earlier this year.
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Bob Johnston to head Frasers Property and Australand combination

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A new individual rating of the 11 funds participating in SQM Research’s Domestic Property Securities Funds Review has revealed positive signs for the Australian real estate investment trust (A-REIT) market.
With eight of the funds receiving a four star or higher rating, SQM Research managing director Louis Christopher said there is a high calibre of funds in this year’s review.
Four funds were upgraded, one was downgraded and a further six remained unchanged from the last review.
<img src="/images/2014/10/20/domesticreview.png" alt="">
Source: SQM Research, Note: Principal Property Securities Fund and Folkestone Maxim A-REIT Securities Fund were last reviewed in August 2012
“Contrary to a recent report from another research house, we see positive things in the A-REIT market,” said Christopher.
He noted that there are a number of active managers consistency outperforming the local A-REIT index, and that the market is not as overvalued as some may be suggesting.
“We still see opportunities for A-REITs over the next 12 months,” he said.
“Those generalist research houses that put equities based analysts in charge of real estate research should be careful in putting forward uninformed opinions," Christopher said.
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Positive signs for the A-REIT market: SQM Research

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Australian commercial property is overvalued and investors in real estate investment trusts are at risk of significant capital losses when interest rates and bond yields rise, an analysis by investment researcher Morningstar has concluded.
Low interest rates have lead investors to divert capital from bonds to higher yielding property, which has driven asset values higher.
Commercial property values could drop by as much as 10 to 15% over a year when interest rates and bond yields rise again, making fixed income more attractive to investors, Morningstar suggested in a report on the Australian real estate investment trust (A-REIT) sector.
“It’s quite conceivable that when interest rates rise, property values could fall in orders of that magnitude,” Morningstar senior equity analyst Tony Sherlock told Property Observer.
The outlook for rental income from commercial properties was stable but income growth would be more than offset by the loss in asset values, he added.
Central banks have indicated that interest rates will stay low for a sustained period, although bond yields can increase ahead of any rise in official cash rates.
“From current levels, interest rates are going to eventually rise and when they do rise they are probably going to rise a bit faster than people expect,” Sherlock said.
Property values would respond fairly quickly to rising interest rates but A-REIT share prices could fall even more rapidly, he said.
A-REIT prices fell 10% over three weeks in May 2013 after yields on 10-year US treasuries increased by 10% when US Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke flagged a possible tapering of US quantitative easing.
The risk of investing in property through A-REITs was now “arguably greater” than usual because most were trading at a premium to the book value of their assets, “some by as much as 30%”, the Morningstar report noted.
Defensive A-REITS with low-risk tenants, such as BWP Trust, which owns Bunnings Warehouse properties, and ALE Property Group, which invests in pubs, were trading at the biggest premiums to book value and would be exposed to the largest share price falls, it said.
Sherlock said A-REIT prices had already started to fall due to rising bond yields and sales by offshore investors who were beginning to leave the market as the Australian dollar weakened. In the month to 18 September, the S&amp;P/ASX 200 A-REIT index dropped 3.74%.
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Investors in REITs at risk of significant capital losses: Morningstar

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Listed property stocks are well managed and in good shape to deliver strong distributions to investors but stellar capital gains made over the past year are unlikely to continue, a research specialist predicts.
Real estate companies and investment trusts have been delivering attractive running yields from high-growth property that is efficiently financed with manageable debt levels, accountancy and financial advice firm Crowe Horwath’s head of research Jeremy McPhail told Property Observer.
Over the six months to June, the property sector returned about 12%, compared with a 3% gain from the overall market as investors focused on consistent cash flow, McPhail said.
“At the start of the year we had a view that it was worth looking at more tactical short-term allocations to property and infrastructure-based stocks. Those stocks have now outperformed the market,” he said.
Share prices gains had been supported by consistent income distributions.
“For us [property and infrastructure stocks] are neither expensive nor cheap,” McPhail said.
He said distributions were likely to continue to increase at a slow and stable pace but added that he would not be surprised those stocks produced lower capital gains over the coming months.
Investments in listed property and infrastructure stocks were among ten of the best investment ideas for the year identified by Crowe Horwath’s financial advisers, investment analysts and economists. The firm last week issued its 2014 Ten Best Investment Ideas Half Year Progress Report, providing an update on the investment ideas identified at the start of the year.
The report noted: “Overall, we remain confident that balance sheets (gearing) for most investment grade opportunities are well under control. Occupancy is high, with low tenant turnover. Management are seeking to replace more expensive debt with lower interest rates and longer-term maturities aligned with current market rates, which improves funds from operations. While this isn’t helping the underlying fundamentals of the assets, it is good to see management focused on controlling what they can.”
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REITs have outperformed, but stellar gains unlikely to continue: Research specialist

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Charter Hall Group has teamed up with the superannuation fund HOSTPLUS to buy a $603 million portfolio leased to the Woolworths-backed ALH Group.
The sale and leaseback deal involves 54 freehold properties on initial lease terms of 20 years, plus options.
The sale reflects an initial yield of 6.8%.
The majority are located in Victoria and Queensland.
The ALH Group is 75% owned by Woolworths and 25% by the Bruce Mathieson Hotel Group.
It operates some 329 venues and 545 retail liquor outlets across Australia.
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AHL pubs sold to Charter Hall-HOTPLUS syndicate

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Managed funds that invest in Australian listed property trusts have performed strongly over the past five years, but investment researcher Lonsec warns they face risks due to the limited number of stocks in the sector.
Recent corporate transactions such as the acquisition of Commonwealth Property Office Fund by DEXUS Property Group and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, and Frasers Amethyst’s takeover of Australand Property Group have exacerbated the problem for investors, Lonsec senior investment analyst Peter Green said.
“It’s not a new problem. It’s been around since after the GFC when Centro and others dropped out but if anything, it has got worse because we’ve had a lot of corporate transactions,” Green told Property Observer.
The 10 largest property stocks account for about 90% of the market capitalisation of the S&amp;P/ASX200 property index. That means funds take a large amount of stock risk when investing in the sector, said Green, who was the principal author of Lonsec’s 2014 A-REIT Sector Review.
The recent split of Westfield into Scentre Group and Westfield Corporation has improved the situation. Westfield used to account for 26% of the index, but Scentre makes up around 18-19% of the index, Green said.
Passively managed property funds that track the index, as well as actively managed funds that invested only in larger listed property trusts were most constrained by a lack of choice, Green said.
“For those managers that can go outside the top 15 and go to the smaller cap spectrum or utilities companies or even international [listed property], they do potentially have an advantage in this market,” Green said.
Despite the risks, fund managers that actively invested in listed property companies and Australian real estate investment trusts performed strongly in the year to June 30, 2014, Lonsec’s sector review found. The managers that the researcher examined achieved returns of 12.7% over the year to June and 15.4% annually over five years. The funds reviewed also distributed more than 5% a year in income to investors.
Green said while investors should be aware of the risks the managed funds were taking, it did not appear that there were structural issues with the property companies that the funds invested in.
“At this stage a lot have done balance sheet repair, board regeneration and exited offshore markets,” he said. 
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AREITs face greater risks with limited stock on the market: Lonsec

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Global property group Lend Lease has delivered a 50% rise in annual profit after tax to $822 million in large part due to its sale of the UK Bluewater Shopping Centre.
<a href="/expert-insights/investing/lend-leases-bluewater-shopping-centre-kent-sale-secures-4-yield">The Bluewater sale</a> contributed about $485 million to profits.
However its profit after tax fall to $446 million, down 12% on the prior year with its Australian construction business profits down along with profits from its Asian division.
Chief executive officer Steve McCann said its net profit after tax was set for between $604 million to $622 million for FY15.
Its development business saw improved residential activity with residential land lot and built-form settlements up 32%. 
It achieved 100% pre sales for its first Barangaroo residential apartment blocks, Anadara and Alexander.
Its group chief financial officer, Tony Lombardo said over the past year Lend Lease had invested significant capital into its development pipeline, with 3,000 apartments now under construction across Australia and the UK. 
"The apartments will progressively complete in fiscal years 2015, 2016 and 2017, and are a material contributor to our circa $2.5 billion of pre sold revenue," he said.
The construction business results for the year of $104.3 million were lower than the prior year in part due to the impact from the fire at Barangaroo South in March this year which cost $6.2 million (post-tax). 
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
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Once in a Bluewater as Lend Lease secures 50% profit boost

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Charter Hall has booked an $82 million net profit for 2014, up almost 50% on the $54 million previous result.
Meanwhile Kerry Roxburgh is set to retire as a director and chairman of Charter Hall Group at the conclusion of the 12 November annual general meeting.
He has been a non-executive director since April 2005. 
David Clarke, who was appointed a non-executive director in April this year, is the chairman-elect. He is a former Chief Executive Officer of Investec Bank (Australia) Limited. 
Charter Hall has over $11.5 billion of funds under management across the office, retail and industrial sectors with offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.
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David Clarke takes chair from Kerry Roxburgh at Charter Hall

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The $1.425 billion Westfield World Trade Center in New York continues to make good progress, now over 70% pre-leased. 
The landmark project<a href="https://wtc.westfield.com/index" target="_blank"> is expected to open in late 2015</a>. Its aim is 150 global brand tenants.
Westfield, together with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, is developing a 365,000 square foot shopping and dining complex in Manhattan’s iconic World Trade Center. 
The project will feature multiple levels including the WTC Transportation Hub and concourses that run throughout the <a href="https://www.westfieldcorp.com/new-developments/" target="_blank">entire World Trade Center site in</a><a href="https://www.westfieldcorp.com/new-developments/" target="_blank"> Lower Manhattan</a>.
The development leasing is being overseen by David Ruddick who sits on the Global Leasing Committee of Westfield. 
His experience in the shopping center industry extends over 25 years, having led leasing in Westfield Sydney. He has also headed the leasing of Westfield Brazil, and held senior roles in London and Italy.
It was 2011 when the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey struck a deal with shopping centre operator Westfield which won the rights to redevelop that retail in mid-2001 but sold its stake in the property back to the Port Authority after the terrorist attack.
The New York leasing advisory was contained within today's half year announcements which indicted the newly formed company outlook and forecasts are consistent with the information contained in the security holder booklet for the recent restructure.
 
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Westfield Corporation was formed on 30 June 2014, following the restructure of the Westfield Group.
“We are very pleased with the performance of both Westfield Corporation and Scentre Group since the announcement and completion of the restructure," Westfield Corporation chairman Frank Lowy said.
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"As of today, with the new entities combined market capitalisation of approximately A$35bn, the restructure has created A$4.5bn of value for the shareholders of the former Westfield Group and Westfield Retail Trust.” 
WFD has assets under management of $27.7 billion, with balance sheet assets of $19.2 billion and a gearing ratio of 35.1% at 30 June 2014.
WFD’s portfolio of 40 shopping centres in the United States and United Kingdom has a strategy to focus on creating and operating iconic assets in major markets that deliver great experiences for consumers and retailers. 
"We aim to achieve this with an increased focus on digital technology and by bringing together the best of fashion, food, entertainment and leisure.”
WFD’s portfolio achieved comparable net operating income growth of 5.3% for the six months ending 30 June 2014. 
WFD’s flagship portfolio of 11 centres representing 66% of the total portfolio (by value), achieved comparable net operating income growth of 5.5% for the six month period. WFD’s Regional portfolio of 23 centres representing 30% of the total portfolio (by value), achieved comparable net operating income growth of 5.0%.
Portfolio specialty sales productivity was $681 per square foot with comparable specialty retail sales up 4.2% for the year ending 30 June 2014. The flagship portfolio achieved specialty retail sales of $954 per square foot, up 5.8% with the Regional portfolio achieving specialty retail sales of $467 per square foot, up 2.1%. 
“Specialty sales performance in our flagship portfolio is pleasing. We continue our focus on investing in high quality assets, introducing a diverse range of global retailers in our portfolio and, through Westfield Labs, digital innovation,” Steven Lowy said. 
At 30 June 2014, the portfolio was 94.4% leased, slightly up from June last year, with the flagship portfolio at 95.9% leased and the regional portfolio at 93.1% leased. 
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New York's Westfield World Trade Center 70% pre-leased 

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Stockland Group has reported an underlying profit full year of $555 million, a 12% increase a year ago, with its residential business the standout.
The managing director Mark Steinert, said its core businesses performed solidly with year on year profit growth in retail, residential, logistics and business parks, and retirement living.
“Our new residential projects at Calleya in Perth, <a href="https://www.stockland.com.au/residential/nsw/willowdale-living-at-willowdale.aspx" target="_blank">Willowdale</a> in Sydney’s south-west, and Elara in Sydney’s north west, have all seen strong customer demand.” 
Stockland’s residential business grew strongly with operating profit up 57% on the prior year. The company achieved 5,219 lot settlements for the year and started FY15 with a record 3,185 contracts on hand. 
Stockland’s head of residential, Andrew Whitson said all states were experiencing generally positive housing market conditions.
“Demand in Sydney remains very strong with relatively low supply impacting affordability in the established housing market.
"In Victoria, the market is steady with good demand balanced by higher competition. 
"The outlook in Queensland is particularly strong, underpinned by positive economic indicators and a slower start to the housing market recovery,” Mr Whitson said.
Stockland agreed last Friday <a href="/expert-insights/investing/stockland-accepts-frasers-australand-offer">to sell its 19.9% stake in Australand Property Group</a> to property group Frasers Centrepoint, booking an $80 million profit.
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