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

Residential Investment

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If you're looking to park the 'lazy half-million' in NSW Mid North Coast, it won't go as far as the previous years, according to property valuation firm Herron Todd White in their July 2016 residential market report on dwellings in the sub $500,000 range.
Port Macquarie particularly has limited stock available in this price range compared to last year and generally only includes properties such as villas or units, three-bedroom dwellings and smaller older style four-bedroom dwellings, says the report.
Combined with the limited stock and another drop in interest rates in early May the market has remained buoyant with more buyers than sellers. There are now limited areas of Port Macquarie where these sub $500,000 properties can be found for purchase. Areas include Flynns Beach, Clifton and the outer western fringes of the township. Dwellings in this price bracket are becoming rare within other areas of Port Macquarie and are therefore being sold very quickly whenever they come on the market. Rents have eased slightly, however current high demand is evident around the CBD, hospital and Charles Stuart University areas.
"We note that there are several student accommodation style developments currently under construction within these areas and once complete, will provide good supply and therefore rental growth may slow," say HTW.
HTW considers the following areas as solid investment:
• Good quality older villas or lower end villa complexes, consisting of two villas sold as in one line, have been popular with investors producing an almost positively geared return.
• Three- or four-bedroom older homes on the eastern side of Port Macquarie or near the CBD, around the $450,000 to $550,000 mark, are also producing good returns in most instances and have excellent potential for future capital growth.
• New house and land packages in the outer and western regions of Port Macquarie and nearby towns and villages can be purchased between $450,000 and $550,000. While theses dwellings are not located within the main stream capital growth area, tax depreciation is making up the shortfall for the prudent buyer.
Port Macquarie on the mid north coast still has the highest rates for capital growth and rental returns. The smaller regional and coastal towns and villages have also showed signs of slowing with properties remaining on the market longer and purchase prices not being achieved. However, rental returns for the above areas remain firm with limited vacancies.
Property Observer found a four-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-port+macquarie-120104681" target="_blank">4 Clifton Drive, Port Macquarie, NSW 2444</a> (above) recently sold for $390,000.
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NSW'S Port Macquarie offers best capital growth in sub $500,000 property range: HTW

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A securely leased apartment block at Frankston in Melbourne's popular south-eastern bayside suburb has price expectation in the high $1 millions.
Available through Savills Australia, the <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-vic-frankston-502049122" target="_blank">Park Street property</a> sits directly opposite Beauty Park and is a short walk to shops, schools and public transport.
It comprises a two level residential building, with eight one bedroom units in good condition and undercover parking on a 788 sqm site.
Savills' agents Julian Heatherich and James Lockwood say that the property is fully leased, with the exception of one unit which has been refurbished.
It has a potential, fully leased, income of $80,920.
Julian said the property would suit investors and developers with multiple options to fully refurbish, value-add or redevelop.
"The property will appeal to both investors and developers looking to value-add or redevelop subject to council approval," he said. 
"It is currently fully let, with the exception of one unit due to refurbishment, with an excellent leasing history and is situated in a fantastic location within walking distance of all essential amenities."
James highlighted the properties key investment attributes.
<ul>
<li>The location in a bayside precinct within walking distance of the beach, transport and shops;</li>
<li>The secure lease profile;</li>
<li>The solid building in very good condition; </li>
<li>The generous 788 square metre site;</li>
<li>The exceptional add-value potential; and,</li>
<li>The potential for redevelopment (STCA).</li>
</ul>
"This is a great opportunity for an investor and/or developer with the option of either maintaining an investment with a proven income stream, or a value-add redevelopment with the advantage of ongoing income in the planning stages," James said.
"Properties of this calibre and versatility in bayside locations are highly sought after by tenants and investors alike." 
The property will be sold by Expressions of Interest closing, Tuesday, August 23 at 12pm.
 
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Bayside Frankston apartment block close to the beach for sale

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Investors or first-home buyers can still find dwellings around $500,000 in Sydney if they venture a little further from the CBD area, according to valuation firm Herron Todd White’s residential property market report for July.
Two such areas are East Sydney and the Inner West.  
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East
After strong growth over the past 18 months, there is little property in the eastern suburbs that can be found in the $500,000 price range other than small studios within the CBD and smaller one-bedroom units around the city fringe suburbs of Potts Point, Chippendale, Elizabeth Bay and Surry Hills, according to HTW's property report.
With low vacancy rates and strong yields, they still represent good investments with rental yields on average around 5%. 
As an example, an art deco style studio unit with no car accommodation, updated kitchen and bathroom, timber flooring and combined living/ bedroom with a rental estimate of $450 per week, sold in Greenknowe Avenue, Elizabeth Bay in May 2016 for $452,000. 
Property Observer found another sale in nearby Potts Point — a studio at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-studio-nsw-potts+point-122657674" target="_blank">6/16 Macleay Street</a> for $450,000.
Inner West 
Similar to the eastern suburbs, this price point is limited to studio, one-bedroom units and very modest older style two-bedroom units with no car accommodation, according to HTW.
A semi-modern studio unit on Parramatta Road, Camperdown with car space and currently rented for $425 per week sold in May 2016 for $490,000. 
Following the railway line, Ashfield, Summer Hill and Haberfield have old style one-bedroom, one-bathroom units that are near to the $500,000 range and still providing good rental returns and low vacancy rates with the opportunity for capital appreciation if the purchaser has access to funds to fully renovate in the future.
Property Observer found a one-bedroom apartment at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-nsw-ashfield-122830018" target="_blank">2/74 Alt Street Ashfield NSW 2131</a> for $472,000, according to CoreLogic RP Data.
 
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Good yields characterise cheap units in eastern and Inner West Sydney: HTW  

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Monarch Investments Group (Monarch) have been granted approval by the Campbelltown City Council to develop its new masterplanned community - The Meadows.
The $135 million project, located n Sydney's South West growth corridor, will feature 210 houses, a swimming pool, playground and recreational facilities.
It's located within one kilometre from Edmondson Park Train Station and the billion dollar Edmondson Park Town Centre.
Prices start from $624,950 for a three bedroom duplex and range in lot size from 230 sqm to 390 sqm.
Packages include a dishwasher, air conditioning, open plan living area, floor coverings, fencing, landscaping, blinds, light fittings and an ensuite.
Monarch has sold over 6,000 land lots across Sydney and New South Wales over the last 60 years.
More than 1600 of these sales were secured in the South West.
They recently sold the last remaining house and land package in its $160 million Ingleburn Gardens Estate comprising 329 houses and land parcels.
CEO of Monarch Peter Icklow suggested the investment potential in the South West is significant.
“The South West growth corridor is one of the fastest growing areas in Sydney and is earmarked for significant private and government spending on major infrastructure and community facilities within the next decade," he said.
"The Meadows is situated in the epicentre of this activity and has already attracted a broad range of purchasers including first home buyers, downsizers, growing families and investors.”
The state government has committed to invest over $3.6 billion in its Western Sydney Infrastructure Plan over a 10 year period. 
This plan includes investment in health, education, transport (bus and rail) and community infrastructure.
Icklow said that they sold their first house and land package in 2009 in Ingleburn Gardens Estate for $325,000. Today it is worth $650,000 and is renting for $500 per week.
"Based on these figures, within the 10 years I expect house and land sales in The Meadows to eclipse at least $900,000 based on an average annual 5 per cent increase over that time," he added.
Recently released data from CoreLogic RPData revealed the suburb of Bardia was ranked seventh in a national list of suburbs with the biggest rise in median house price growth between 2010 and 2015. 
To read more about the development <a href="https://monarchinvestments.com/the-meadows-bardia/" target="_blank">click here</a>. 
 
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Green light given for The Meadows

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GUEST OBSERVER
Recently, tax residency has become a contentious and difficult issue. Tax partner Fletch Heinemann from Cooper Grace Ward explains below. 
Q1 – 0:15 – Am I a tax resident of Australia?
Q2 – 1:05 – What does it mean to ‘reside in Australia’?
Q3 – 2:19 – What is a ‘permanent place of abode overseas’?
Q4 – 3:35 – What if I still have a property in Australia?
Q5 – 4:40 – What about if I pay tax outside of Australia?
Click below to watch 
<h1> </h1>
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<div id="main" class="span8 clearfix">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMiZ5ks3u2M" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2016/07/06/Screen%20Shot%202016-07-06%20at%201.11.25%20PM.png" alt=""></a> 
For more information, <a href="https://www.cgw.com.au" target="_blank">click here</a>.
</div>
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Property 101: Fast facts on residency for tax purposes

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Longreach sits amid Investar's 10 most distressed localities. It is among the four Queensland locailities in the list. Investar put the distress rate at 48 percent in Longreach.
Thornton from NSW topped the lis, with Hinchinbrook the only other NSW entry.
The list was produced using live on the market rental and sales listing data including distressed sale condition keyword analysis.
It identified listings with one or more keywords that would indicate an increased level of seller motivation and calculated this as a percentage of total listings on the market.
This data is designed to identify suburbs with the highest percentage of potentially distressed price stock based on the descriptions used by agents and vendors.
Current examples at Longreach include <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-longreach-120314653" target="_blank">177 Kingfisher Street</a> which is advertised as having a "drastically reduced $299,000" sale price. Its initial asking price was $350,000. It was bought for $355,000 in 2012.
 
Suburb State Postcode Dwelling Type Bedrooms % of Listings Days on Market Median Price Median Price Growth 1 yr Median Rent Rental Yield Median Rent Growth 1 yr
1 THORNTON NSW 2322 House 3 76.29% 63 $373,500 9.05% $350 4.87% 2.94%
2 NOLLAMARA WA 6061 Unit 3 60.47% 112 $410,000 -8.69% $380 4.81% -9.53%
3 KILMORE VIC 3764 House 4 56.32% 131 $340,000 5.10% $340 5.20% 3.03%
4 BRACKEN RIDGE QLD 4017 Townhouse 3 50.00% 126 $325,000 0.00% $375 6.00% 2.73%
5 SCARNESS QLD 4655 House 4 50.00% 298 $327,000 -2.39% $330 5.24% -1.50%
6 LONGREACH QLD 4730 House 3 48.72% 563 $255,000 -3.78% $250 5.09% -9.10%
7 COOKTOWN QLD 4895 House 2 48.00% 338 $320,000 0.00% $275 4.46% 1.85%
8 MOUNT TARCOOLA WA 6530 House 3 47.37% 178 $299,000 -12.71% $300 5.21% -11.77%
9 HINCHINBROOK NSW 2168 House 3 43.75% 71 $600,000 3.53% $460 3.98% 2.22%
10 EAST BUNBURY WA 6230 Unit 3 43.48% 124 $299,500 -11.92% $330 5.72% 3.12% 
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Longreach sits amid Investar's 10 most distressed localities

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Rental properties make money for investors through income and capital gains, both of which are taxable. Depending on your annual income from investments, wages and other sources, tax can eat up a sizable chunk of your returns.
One way to minimise your tax bill is to ensure you’re claiming all of the deductions you can on your investment property.
Expenses you incur due to owning a rental property can be offset set against the income the investment brings in.
If the deductions add up to more than the income, you can offset the tax loss against earnings from other sources. If the income is higher than the total value of deductions, you must pay tax on the excess.
For more tax planning tips for property investment in the new financial year, download our free eBook from Mortgage Down.
For more information, contact Mortgage Down by <a href="https://mortgagedown.com.au" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.
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How to maximise your tax advantages and pay off your home sooner

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Capital city areas comprise four of the top five regions nationally for investor concentrations, with Darwin topping the list at 42.9 percent of all dwellings owned by investors.
The Gold Coast shows the second highest ranking for investment concentration nationally, with 32.8 percent of dwellings owned by investors.
 Inner capital city apartment markets dominate investor preferences, according to CoreLogic, followed by lifestyle, regional and mining locations.
The only capital city missing from the top 20 list nationally is Hobart (ranked 31 nationally) where investors comprised 18.3 percent of all dwellings.
Across the regional markets, the highest investment concentrations were generally located in the major regional centres associated with either lifestyle factors such as tourism and holiday homes, or locations more aligned with the mining and resources sector.
<a href="/images/2016/06/Screen%20Shot%202016-06-20%20at%209.32.24%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click here to enlarge</a>
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Inner capital city apartment markets dominate investor preference followed by lifestyle, regional and mining locations

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The majority of respondents to a recent survey by REIWA negatively gear their investment property.
The survey of property investors in Western Australia found that 72 percent of respondents negatively gear their investment property and from those 76 percent owned just one or two investment properties,
REIWA President Hayden Groves said indicates that the majority of investors are everyday West Aussies who hold small property portfolios.
"These findings debunk the myth that property investment and negative gearing only assists those who are wealthy," he said.
“We can see that West Australians employed across a whole range of industries negatively gear their investment property. 
“We hope these findings provide further insight into why we want negative gearing to be retained in its current form or, alternatively, a review of the entire tax system be carried out.
More than half of respondents to the survey earn a gross salary of less than $100,00.
Top five industry groups in WA whose employees invest in property: 
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  Business and human resource – 23 percent 
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  Mining and engineering – 17 percent 
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  Construction and building – 13 percent 
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  Health, education, and social and welfare – 11 percent 
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  Public service – 11 percent
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Property 101: Negative gearing in West Australia

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GUEST OBSERVER
Housing finance approvals continue to point to subdued conditions in April with a further softening in investor activity.
The headline figure – the number of owner occupier finance approvals – posted a 1.7 percent rise, more or less in line with expectations (market +2.5 percent, Westpac 2 percent).
The detail was a touch softer including additional data on the value of investor loans.
Ex refinance, the number of new owner occupier loans was up just 1.1 percent, only reversing part of March’s 1.5 percent decline. Overall, the monthly moves are slow and suggest owner occupier demand is drifting around rather than strengthening or weakening.
Within the owner occupier segment, the number of loans of housing-related loans posted a solid rise but are still down significantly on a year ago (+4 percent mth, –5.9 percent yr on a combined basis).
By state, gains were a bit firmer in Vic and Qld but softer in the other main states.
The value of investor loans fell 5 percent to be down over 20 percent yr.
Notably, the weakness in the investor segment outweighed the gain in owner-occupiers with the total value of loans ex refi down 3.7 percent mth, 9.2 percent yr.
Overall, the numbers suggest conditions remained soft in April ahead of the RBA’s May rate cut.
The Bank’s moves should draw more buyers into the market although that will take a few months to become apparent in finance approvals and may continue to be offset by weak investor activity. Details  Owner–occupiers (no.)   1.7%mth, 4.6%yr          
– ex-financing (no.)        1.1%mth, 0.7%yr          
Construction of dwellings (no.)               4.4%mth, –5.6%yr        
Purchase of newly built dwellings (no.)   3.3%mth, –6.7%yr        
Value of loans:             
Owner-occupiers ($bn)   0.1%mth, 7.8%yr          
Investors ($bn)              –5%mth, –20.8%yr       
Total ($bn)                    –1.8%mth, –4.4%yr      
Total ex refi ($bn)          –3.7%mth, –9.2%yr                      
 
Matthew Hassan is senior economist with <a href="https://www.westpac.com.au/" target="_blank">Westpac</a>.
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