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

Rental Property

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Sydney’s Parramatta finished third on the list of most searched suburbs in 2015 compiled by rent.com.au, with median rents within the last 30 days at $460 per week, a rise of 2.2 percent over the last quarter.
The price range was relatively tight though, with $200 for a one-bedroom dwelling at the low end and $600 for a 5+ bedroom dwelling at the top end, the data from <a href="https://rent.com.au/" target="_blank">rent.com.au</a> showed.
However, Parramatta’s median rental growth fared better than surrounding suburbs — Rydalmere, Oatlands, Granville, Holroyd, Mays Hill, Westmead, Harris Park, North Parramatta and Merrylands, which was flat at $430 per week for the comparable 30-day period as well as over 90 days, the data showed.
Parramatta also fared better than surrounding suburbs for average days on market, which was 32 compared to 37 for bordering suburbs. The number was also down by eight days from the last quarter.
There were a total of 120 rental properties advertised in Parramatta within the last 30 days, up 13 from the previous 30 days.
Though the median rent for the last 30 days rose 2.2 percent, the graph for the six months till January is absent of clear peaks or troughs, both for apartments and houses.
There are a total of 4,372 rental properties in Parramatta, making up 61.6% of all properties in Parramatta (ABS, Census Data, 2011).
Nearly 80 percent of all dwellings in the suburbs are apartments, with the rest houses, the data showed.
Property Observer found these two recent examples, one a unit and the other a townhouse, on rent.com.au
<img src="/images/2016/02/18/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-18%20at%2010.51.04%20AM.png" alt="" width="834" height="569">
1. A two-bedroom unit with a garage at 1/16-20 Lansdowne Street (above) is available for $460 per week.
 2. A two-bedroom full brick townhouse on 9/485 Church Street (below) has been advertised for $420 per week.
<img src="/images/2016/02/18/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-18%20at%2010.51.22%20AM.png" alt="" width="683" height="463">
The ASX-listed Rent.com.au Ltd achieved a record 615,405 unique visitors to its website in January, followed by more than 610,000 unique visitors in February.
Landlords are able to list their property for free in a limited time offer on <a href="https://www.rent.com.au/" target="_blank">rent.com.au</a>. 
 
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Rental range relatively tight in Parramatta: rent.com.au insight

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Property Connect, a rental property technology company, is raising $2.5 million through a public listing on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) as as part of a reverse takeover by Conquest Agri (ASX:CQA).
The company will issue 50 million shares at A$0.05 per share, giving it a market cap of A$12.28 million upon listing, expected March 7 under the proposed ASX code PCH.
Property Connect has developed a program called LiveOffer, through which potential tenants can make an offer on a rental property, thus creating a fair market value for rental properties.
LiveOffer™ provides the renter with the ability to adjust the rent paid, move in date and lease term to create an overall scenario for the property manager.
“We provide a win-win situation, instantly matching the ideal renter for the property and securing the optimum outcome for the property manager,” said Property Connect founder, former Sydney property developer Tim Manson.
Manson has relocated to California seeking to launch the LiveOffer™ technology into the US multi-family apartment market.
“Feedback from those who have trialled the technology has been excellent and we have a host of clients eagerly anticipating the new version.”
Version 2.0 of LiveOffer™ is expected in Q2 CY2016.
Property Connect will charge a set-up fee and monthly fee for each community placed on the LiveOffer™ system by the property manager, in addition to a 1-3% transaction fee per lease passed through the platform.
The product also provides an opportunity for tenants to upgrade to premium apartments that become available.
The company has signed agreements with 10 US property management groups, with more than 100,000 combined listings per annum, for use of the LiveOffer™ platform.
Funds from the capital raising will be used for system development, hiring and working capital. 
GTT Ventures Pty Ltd is sole lead manager for the equity raising.
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prateek24-ezbwHMbNAk

Rental tech firm Property Connect set to list on ASX

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ASX-listed Rent.com.au Ltd, a portal dedicated to listing rental properties, achieved a record 615,405 unique visitors to its website in January. 
The latest figures were up 12% on the previous high hit in October 2015 and rose 27% from December numbers, the company said in a regulatory announcement.
The January traffic result was in line with the company’s expectations, said its managing director Mark Woschnak, and reflected Rent’s increasing focus on customer experience and product development. 
“These strong indicators demonstrate that the site is delivering renters, agents and landlords with the products and services they want,” Woschnak said.
Landlords are able to list their property for free in a limited time offer on <a href="https://www.rent.com.au" target="_blank">rent.com.au,</a> Australia's number one rental website.
Other highlights include:
Portal up at number 7 on AC Nielsen national property sites ranking
48% increase in page views
49% increase in time on site
The company, founded in 2007 by Woschnak, aims to continue to shift the private landlord market to online and launch products aimed at making the rental process easier, it said.
“We are achieving good monthly growth toward our objectives by continuing to increase the number of agents and landlords registered with us, and therefore increasing overall property listings,” Woschnak said.
The company is also growing its field sales team to cash in on the momentum.
 “Notwithstanding the strong January traffic results there is a significant upside in the size of the renter audience that is still available to us.” 
He signalled the next phase of growth would involve actively pursuing other key objectives, including enhancing and developing the range of content, user experience and products that renters need.
"This has been reflected by the almost 50% monthly gain in key engagement metrics of pages viewed and time on site.
"This increased level of user experience has also resulted in an approximate 50% gain in the number of enquiries delivered to agents and landlords, and is now more than 3.5 times the level of property enquiry that we had prior to listing,” Woschnak said.
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Rent.com.au achieves record 615,000 unique visitors in January

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When looking for a new house to lease, most renters will spend several weeks, if not months, searching for properties online and inspecting them in person.
This time spent researching makes renters very discerning as to what makes a desirable property and there are certain features they will actively seek out.
In addition to these sought-after features, Shane Goldfarb, who recent helped establish the new McGrath agency after years at Hodges St Kilda, says there are some simple tips landlords should be aware of in order to increase the desirability of their rental property, not to mention the quality of tenants and potentially the rent price. His ten tips landlords should know in order to make your rental property more appealing.
 1.      TENANT FRIENDLY, NOT INVESTOR FRIENDLY
It’s important as a landlord to remember that your target audience is renters. While an investor might be interested in certain features, your aim is to appeal to tenants, who typically want somewhere that is comfortable, low-maintenance and good value for money.
 2.      PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Investing in professional photography rather than taking your own photos of your property will instantly increase its desirability. When renters are researching dozens of properties online, properties with clear, professional photos will always catch the eye first and give renters the impression that the property, like the photos, is of a high quality. Also, these photos can be reused, creating greater return on the small investment required.
 3.      PRESENTATION
It may seem like stating the obvious, but presentation matters. Simple measures come inspection time, such as ensuring the house has been freshly cleaned, including carpets steam cleaned if necessary, will help to ensure your property is leased quickly. 
 4.      QUALITY FITTINGS AND FIXTURES 
A discerning renter, the type you should most want to attract, will be more likely to apply for property that has high quality fittings and fixtures such as stainless steel in the kitchen and bathrooms.
 5.      FRESHLY PAINTED
It should never be underestimated what a fresh coat of pain can do for a property, particularly one that is maybe on the old and tired side. Stick to neutral, timeless colours like whites and creams to ensure they will be compatible to all tenants tastes and not require regular repainting over the years.
 6.      AIR CONDITIONING
For many tenants central air conditioning is considered a crucial feature and can be the deciding factor between two very similar properties. 
Whilst installing air conditioning might seem like a significant investment at the time, a quality unit should last many years, making the initial outlay worthwhile when compared with years of consistent rental income.
 7.      DISHWASHER
Similar to central air conditioning, a dishwasher is increasingly considered a must-have amenity. Likewise with central air conditioning, the initial investment will be offset by the premium prices that can be charged for having this feature.
 8.      OUTDOOR AREA
Simple improvements to the outdoor area, whether it be a backyard or courtyard, can make a world of difference. A functional outdoor area acts as an additional room and entertaining space.  If previous tenants have consistently failed to maintain the garden or lawn, it could be worth neatly paving the space to ensure it stays presentable and functional.
 9.      QUALITY COMMUNAL AREAS
When leasing a property that has shared facilities, ensure that the owners corporation are on top of cleaning, gardening and maintenance of communal areas. These areas are extensions of your property and a tenant may choose an alternate property or choose to move if the owners corporation do not keep the areas clean and well maintained.
 10.  ENGAGING A GOOD AGENT
The advice and professionalism of a quality property manager can be invaluable. If you are time poor or unsure what to look for in a tenant or how the leasing process works, do your research and engage in a reputable property manager. They will ensure you have reliable tenants that maintain your property and increase your chances of consistent rental income. 
 
For more from Shane Goldfarb, <a href="https://www.mcgrath.com.au/agent/4490-shane-goldfarb" target="_blank">click</a><a href="https://www.mcgrath.com.au/agent/4490-shane-goldfarb" target="_blank"> here</a>.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Property 101: 10 tips to make your rental property more appealing

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Vendors considering selling their rental property have been advised to consider how a tenant views the whole process - little more than inconvenience followed by a possible eviction, according to vendor advocacy website vendormarketing.com.au.
According to the guide, vendors need to be honest and upfront with tenants throughout the whole process. If the rental property is going to sell to an owner-occupier (being someone who will live in the place themselves), they need to understand this and have the opportunity to get prepared.
"You should explain the period of time they will have after the sale to move, and tell them that you will provide a reference attesting their cooperation. However, if it is a normal rental property chances are quite high that another investor will buy it. In this case it is in their interest to present the property well and it is likely they could stay. Promise to keep them informed during the sale process. This helps to reduce their anxiety," the guide said.
"Set some parameters around inspections. This includes when the real estate agent can bring buyers through and the extent of the campaign. Inspections should mostly be open house to minimise inconvenience, and the times agreed in advance. Other inspections should be strictly by prior agreement with at least 24 hours notice.
"You must state that no one will go through except as agreed and always accompanied by the real estate agent. The marketing campaign should have a reasonable time limit for instance, 4 weeks, after which you would come back to the tenants if necessary.
"Of course sometimes a tenant is uncooperative or irredeemably messy, or has horrible furniture and you have to make a judgement call whether to sell with them in possession. If it is unavoidable you simply have to do the best you can. Remember that a really difficult tenant can make it almost impossible to sell at a good price, and tenancy laws do very little to help. Fortunately this is rare. Most of the problems are caused by the tenant being taken for granted. Don’t forget to ask them if they would like to buy. You just never know."
For more information, <a href="https://www.vendormarketing.com.au" target="_blank">click here</a>.
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po-LsXgBTHBmX

Property 101: Selling rental property – how to keep the tenant on side?

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The Sydney rental property market remained steady over October with vacancy rates staying at 1.9% for the second month in a row, according to REINSW.
The October 2015 REINSW Vacancy Rate Survey found inner Sydney rose 0.1% to 2.1%, outer Sydney dropped 0.1% to 1.6% and middle Sydney held at 1.9%.
REINSW President Malcolm Gunning said for a second month in a row vacancy rates have remained at 1.9%.
"Job growth continues to be the key driver of interest in the Sydney market and the figures indicate demand is being met,” he said.
According to REINSW, Hunter region vacancy rates fell from 3.3% to 2.7%, the Illawarra the overall vacancy rate rose 0.4% to 2.6%.
New England increased 0.6% to 4.3%, Albury up 0.5% to 2.8% and Northern Rivers increased 0.1% to 1.2%. The Mid-North Coast fell 0.1% to 1.4% and Coffs Harbour fell from 2.8% to 1.9%. 
<a href="/images/2015/11/24/Screen%20Shot%202015-11-24%20at%209.52.02%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/11/24/Screen%20Shot%202015-11-24%20at%209.52.02%20AM.png" alt="">
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Sydney rental property market steady: REINSW

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GUEST OBSERVER
An increasing number of landlords are requesting agents take over the management of their rental properties after experiences with tenants who default on rent or who damage their property.
Our member agents are reporting many instances where they are inheriting properties with requests from the owners to evict tenants or to chase up unpaid rent.
Privately managed properties are targeted by bad tenants because they know the landlord does not have access to the checks and balances available to a professional property manager.
Good agents pay for access to the national defaulting tenant databases whereby they can check to see if there is any negative activity recorded against an applicant’s name anywhere in Australia.
It is not unusual for an immaculately presented applicant who looks to be a perfect tenant to owe thousands of dollars in rent or to have damaged a property in another state.
Many of these people are serial defaulters and once they are in a property it is difficult to move them without loss and aggravation.
Another advantage of professional management is that it provides a firm, friendly barrier between owner and tenant. 
It must be said that the grater majority of tenants are wonderful people who look after their rental property and pay their rent on time every time however there do exist a percentage of bad tenants and landlords are well advised to seek professional management to minimise the risks.
 
Geoff Baldwin is chairman of the  Certified Practicing Real Estate Agents and can be contacted <a href="https://www.cprea.com.au/" target="_blank">here</a>. 
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Bad tenants target self-managed rentals: Geoff Baldwin

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The number of residential property listings are 1.8% lower than this time last year despite the level of fresh listings up 11.7% in the same time period, according to CoreLogic RP Data's Property Pulse market update for the week ending July 26. 
The market update found total stock across Melbourne, Hobart, Canberra and Sydney has fallen more than 8% when compared to the same time last year, making market conditions more favourable for vendors. Perth and Darwin housing supply is nearly 22% higher making for tough selling conditions.
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The report noted a fall in total listings numbers has stabilised since mid-March.
 
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Rental stock falls in Sydney, Melbourne: CoreLogic RP Data

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The number of rental property vacancies across New South Wales fell 0.2% to 1.9% in July, according to the REINSW.
The July 2015 REINSW Vacancy Rate Survey found falls in Inner Sydney saw of 0.5 per cent to 2.1%, Middle Sydney fell 0.2% to 1.7% and Outer Sydney fell 0.1% to 1.6%.
REINSW President Malcolm Gunning said despite the 0.2% decline month on month a strong stream of property on the market starting to feed the migration into Sydney.
“Supply is still strong,” Gunning said. 
“Vacancy rates remain close to 2.0 per cent which shows that supply is starting to meet demand.
“Outer Sydney has hit levels last seen in December 2014.
Illawarra vacancy rates dropped 0.5% to 1.7%, Wollongong down 1.0% to 1.4%. Vacancies rose in the Hunter region 0.2 per cent to 3.7%, New England climbed 1.2% to 4.6% and Orana increased to 4.0%. 
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NSW rental property vacancies slide: REINSW

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Education and training providers are snapping up office space in Melbourne with a 44% increase in education leasing deals for 2014 when compared to the previous year - a total of 36,000sqm.
According to research from CBRE in the last 18 months educator leasing deals in the Melbourne CBD has doubled from 5% (20,000sqm) to around 10% (45,000sqm).  
CBRE research analyst Anne Flaherty said in contrast to many industries, tenants in the education sector are most likely to lease secondary grade space and are therefore, playing an important role in the absorption.
"In 2014, vacancy in the secondary market reached its highest level in a decade, forcing landlords to increase incentives in a bid to entice tenants.  This is reflected in annual absorption figures, which totalled only 15,000sqm for secondary space, compared with 52,000sqm for prime," Ms Flaherty said.
“University enrolments are rising on average 4% per year, with domestic university enrolments exceeding one million for the first time in 2014 and the number of international students commencing study was up 10% over the previous year. 
CBRE regional director of office services, Andrew Tracey, said in the first two months of the year alone, he has seen 4,146sqm in new enquiry, with a large portion of this interest in quality buildings that are willing and able to accommodate education providers.
Key Melbourne education lease deals
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<li>CQU has signed a 12-year lease on 8,000sqm at 120 Spencer Street, a 22-level A-grade office building located opposite the Southern Cross Train Station. </li>
<li>Monash College recently took up 6,570sqm at 271 Collins Street, committing to a 10 year term on the property. </li>
<li>Red Hill Education has also secured space within the building, which is currently listed for sale with CBRE, signing a five-year lease on a 1,600sqm suite on the 8th level. CBRE Senior Negotiator, Office Services, Milly Stockdale negotiated the deal. </li>
<li>Study Group committed to 6,700sqm in Church Lane earlier in the year, signing a 9.5 year lease on the Credit Suisse AG-owned property. </li>
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Several pockets across Sydney have also witnessed a surge in leasing activity, with Parramatta, Blacktown and Bankstown in the west emerging as some of the city’s largest education hubs, according to the report.
 
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