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 Market Trends

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Derby, a town in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, has been ranked the nation's second slowest selling location.
Its house listings are typically for sale for 1099 days, according to Investar.
It suggests postcode 6728's median house price sits at $450,000, with 15.7% growth over the past year.
Its median rent sits at $550 per week, which has declined 3.6% over the past year.
The rental yield sits at 6.4%.
A Loch St house on a 2034 sqm block has been waiting over three years for a buyer.
It is being marketed by its owner and is listed for $580,000. It cost $400,000 in 2007.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/%20https:/www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-derby-119463483%20https:/www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-derby-119463483" target="_blank">Positioned at 23 Loch Street</a> (pictured above), the colonial style home features five bedrooms, balcony/patio/terrace, undercover pavilion style carport, and two secure storage sheds. 
Last traded for $400,000 in 2007, the home comes with galvanised steel fence at front and dual access from either side of block from front.
A brand new offering in Derby (below) is set to half in price from its last trade just five years ago.
The four bedroom house, which traded for $950,000 in 2013, is now up for sale at $487,000.
It is offered by Peter Burns from Hutchinson Real Estate. 
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-derby-128628262" target="_blank">Located at 17 Derby Highway,</a> the house comprises of four bedrooms, two bathrooms, lounge area, and kitchen with timber and exposed brick finishes.
Other features include split system air-conditioning and views of the surrounding gardens.
 <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/6/19/17%20derby%20highway.jpg" alt="">
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Derby ranks as the second slowest selling town in Australia

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Purchasing inquiry levels are up on the Gold Coast residential market following a slowdown during the Commonwealth Games.
Most agents have reported that buyer enquiry across the central areas of the Gold Coast has now improved to a steady level, according to the June report from valuation firm Herron Todd White.
Despite the volume of sales activity dropping over the past twelve months in most areas, it has been reported that some suburbs are still performing quite well, particularly within the Varsity Lakes and Mermaid Waters areas.
The report attributes, the positive levels of buyer enquiry in these suburbs to a shortage of good quality stock in central areas and asking prices being more affordable in comparison to neighboring suburbs.
Agents who specialise in the Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach areas have noted that they are still receiving steady levels of enquiry for listed stock, particularly up to $500,000.
"A good slice of their enquiries are buyers from south of the border (New South Wales and Victoria) which demonstrates that interstate investors still see good value for money opportunities in this market segment", the report noted. 
"However, it is becoming more apparent that agents are finding it tougher to get a quick sale for unit stock priced between $500,000 and $1.5 million."
There are many new medium to high rise developments under construction between Mermaid Beach and Surfers Paradise currently.
This may create a huge oversupply in the near future.
The report notes that, there has been mixed feedback in relation to how the waterfront home market has performed in the past month.
Broadbeach Waters, which has been one of the more sought after suburbs in recent years, still appears to be one of the better performing locations.
Entry level waterfront property (priced between $800,000 and $1.1 million) is still moving rather quickly.
"Selling waterfront properties priced above $1.5 million is becoming far more challenging for some agents", stated the valuers at HTW
"More recently we have noticed a significant decrease in sales volumes and market activity, particularly in Clear Island Waters and Benowa in this segment of the market."
The valuers forecast the second half of 2018 will remain stable, with sales volumes not expected to increase any time soon, steady levels of demand and a lack of listed stock will likely continue in most central suburbs.
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Strongest buying up to $500,000 on the Gold Coast residential market following Commonwealth Games slowdown

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The Whitsundays residential markets and businesses are still recovering in the wake of cyclone Debbie, according to the valuation firm, Herron Todd White.
There are still noticeable signs of recovery with Daydream and Hayman Islands closed to the public and boats filled with tradesmen travelling to Hamilton Island daily.
On a smaller scale, there are still a number of houses and units that are in need of repair.
The report states that, "In regard to tourism, the Whitsundays market has been experiencing a growth in domestic and international tourist visitors compared to the past few years."
"It is worth noting however that although visitor numbers have increased, tourists are staying for a shorter period and are spending less in the region, but this is as expected with some of the major attractions and smaller businesses still recovering."
This recovery is well reflected by the Mackay region unemployment rate, postulates the report.
In 2012 the unemployment rate was 3.2%; it rose to 8.4% in 2015 and is currently sitting at around 4.4%.
The report noted that, "We have started to see positive growth in the residential market of Airlie Beach and surrounding suburbs."
"There has been a significant increase in sales volumes from the third quarter of 2017 with a mild increase in the median sale price."
The rental market has increased at an unsustainable rate with gross yields at 5.6% and an average rental of $480 per week.
The region is looking forward to the completion of a number of larger projects including the reopening of Daydream Island.
"With the completion of these works, anticipate a significant number of workers leaving the region and this will most likely lead to an increase in the vacancy rate, as well as a decline in the median rent back to sustainable levels", the report suggested. 
The report predicts that, as the construction work declines, tourism will continue to increase with a renewed appeal to the region.
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Whitsundays residential markets and businesses still recovering in the wake of cyclone Debbie: HTW 

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The turbulent Gladstone residential market has been tracking upwards, according to the June report from valuation firm Herron Todd White.
At the beginning of 2018, many positive statements were made about what was happening in the Gladstone market; statements such as increased sales volumes; declining vacancy rates; reduced days on the market; multiple offers being made; and an increasing trend in new dwelling construction.
"Now at the midpoint of the year, there is some solid evidence that these statements were not just speculation with some recent transactions have shown the slight increase in capital values that the market is showing", the report suggests.
A 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom townhouse in Telina sold in April 2017 for $176,000. It resold in March 2018 for $185,000 representing an approximate 5% increase in value.
1990s 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom brick dwelling in Telina sold in January 2017 for $226,500. It resold in May 2018 for $259,000 representing an approximate 14% increase.
"Not to suggest the entire market has magically risen 5% to 15% over the past six months however be aware that times are changing and market sentiment is definitely trending upwards", the report noted.
"There has been a minor shift in values with many price points now pushing the boundaries of the value levels of six to 12 months ago."
Other indicators include the vacancy rate which currently sits at 3.7%, which has been slowly trending downward from 4.7% in January 2018.
The latest quarterly data shows that the median rent for a 4-bedroom house ($260 per week) has increased by 8% from the same period 12 months ago.
"2-bedroom units have also tracked upward by $10 to a median of $150 per week over the same time period."
"After an upward trend in new construction activity throughout the first half of 2018, new construction now appears to be slowing, but positively so as there is a general lack of land available in Gladstone but seemingly good demand", this report suggests.
The HTW valuers forecast that the value of land will trend upwards and some larger developers will start to release lots in estates that have typically been in a holding pattern over the past several years.
There has been a sharp decline in the number of mortgagee in possession transactions and it is the expectation that the market will continue to improve throughout 2018 on the back of continued affordability in the region.
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Gladstone residential market has been tracking upwards: HTW 

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The Cairns residential property market holds steady but is subject to sudden change, according to the June report from the valuation firm Herron Todd White.
2018, according to Herron Todd White, has been a "stodgy" time for the Cairns residential property market.
Residential property demand remains constant, but prices have remained flat and the market has remained stuck in a steady state position, and the latest trended median price readings in Cairns for sales during April 2018 stood at $405,000 for houses and $209,000 for units, the valuation firm noted.
"Although these represent price changes during the past twelve months of -2.4% for houses and -5.5% for units."
An assessment by HTW valuers found that "individual property value movements over the past 12 months have been varied by no more than plus or minus 5%."
The upshot is that even though solid fundamentals are in place with low rental vacancy rates, no obvious oversupply in any market sector and continued economic improvement, the Cairns property market is still being hampered by a lack of confidence and a constrained fiscal environment.
"We have been expecting demand for most residential property to revitalise during 2018 as a result of ongoing economic improvement", the report suggested.
The report forecasts a slow but steady increase in sales volume which will flow through to modestly rising prices although so far it hasn’t happened.
What’s more they boldly predict, is that if it doesn’t happen in 2018, it never will.
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Flat prices remain in Cairns residential property market

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Mackay's residential market is undergoing an infrastructure revolution and it’s full steam ahead in 2018, according to the June report from Herron Todd White.
Economically speaking, Mackay is probably in its best shape in almost five years, with falling unemployment, a buoyant resource sector, increased infrastructure projects and generally improved sentiment, the valuation firm advise.
Projects underway include the $500 million (approximately) Mackay Ring Road project which is in full swing, the sports precinct out by Central Queensland University, Vines Creek Bridge and the Eton Range Bypass as well as many more.
The Mackay Regional Council has also announced a number of infrastructure projects such as flood mitigation and drainage work in East Mackay.
The report states that, "this has then had a flow on effect to the residential market and vacancy rates have virtually halved in past 12 months, leading to increased rental values (only slightly so far).
"There has been increased buyer demand for owner-occupied dwellings, with reducing days on market and good activity across almost all sectors."
While activity has increased and general sentiment has improved, keep in mind there have yet to be any real increases in value as of yet.
The valuers noted there are still a number of hurdles in the Mackay market, with harsher lending policies still in effect for the 4740 postcode and the large equity reduction seen in the market over the past six years.
All in all though, the past six months has definitely been a big improvement for not only the Mackay residential market but the whole Mackay region and the report forecasts, "a continuation of this for the rest of the year."
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Mackay's residential market undergoing an infrastructure revolution

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Toowoomba's residential property market is stable but lacking consistency.
The Toowoomba residential property market has continued to remain steady throughout the first half of 2018 following a general decline since the peak of activity at the end of 2013, and although sales activity has been steady across the board, the market has continued to be multispeed and property specific, according to the June report form valuation firm Herron Todd White.
There has been little consistency with variations in sale prices and buyer interest across the established suburbs.
The report suggests that, the prestige market however, has been performing strongly, particularly in the eastern suburbs as has the upper end of the rural residential lifestyle market.
The median sale price has displayed some growth over the past 3 years, currently sitting at approximately $390,000 up from $375,000 in June 2015, the report noted.
"As of April 2018, there were approximately 1,740 houses and units listed for sale in postcode 4350 and with this is being near a 6 year high, it does not bode well for price growth in the short term." stated the HTW valuers
"The unit market has followed a similar trend to the housing market, with low sales volumes following the oversupply of unit product that became apparent throughout 2016."
Land sales volumes steadily increased in the 3 years between 2012 and 2015; peaking at 1,063 sales in 2015, while in 2016, 681 sales were recorded and then 677 in 2017.
"In contrast, vacancy rates across Toowoomba are approximately 2.3% as at April 2018, which is considered tight and below the balanced market level of 3%", noted the valuers at HTW.
"The Toowoomba Second Range Crossing project under construction appears to have assisted in maintaining low vacancy rates, with many workers residing in the region."
The valuing firm forecasts that the low vacancy rate and substantial infrastructure projects in the pipeline may reignite interest in Toowoomba residential property from investors although the steady market conditions currently being experienced in the residential property market are expected to continue throughout the remainder of 2018.
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Toowoomba's residential property market stable but lacking consistency: HTW 

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Townsville's residential market has confidence with a positive market sentiment.
The inner city 4810 postcodes remain buoyant with inner-city projects including the Townsville Stadium and proposed waterfront precinct being positive factors.
The present market is highly suburb selective, with reasonable turnover levels in the sought after mid to inner suburbs.
But there are patchy sales in other areas and suburbs with perceived social issues, according to the June report from valuation firm Herron Todd White.
During 2018, the trending rental vacancy rate has remained in a balanced market range with the overall trend vacancy rate at just over 3%.
The report noted that, this is significantly lower than the prevailing trend in vacancy rate for the similar period of 2017 at 5.52%.
The unit market is currently steady, albeit at low volumes, with some resistance still being experienced due to the holding costs associated with unit ownership including body corporate fees and high insurance costs.
The valuers at HTW forecast that the remainder of 2018 will remain similar to what has been seen to date so far, with any changes to demand or sentiment heavily reliant on factors such as unemployment, job security and population growth.
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Patchy sometimes, but Townsville's residential market has a positive market sentiment: HTW 

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The Sunshine Coast residential property market is still performing well, according to the June report from valuation firm Herron Todd White.
The first six months of 2018 saw a slight fall in the volume of sales compared to this time last year but the main reason was the limited stock availablity.
Although general buyer activity has been good, some agents over recent weeks have begun to notice that enquiry levels have slowed with some urgency disappearing from the market
"Whether this is just a seasonal impact or some early signs of a slowing market, it's still too early to tell," the valuation firm advise.
Properties and areas that have good market appeal are still performing well with the various residential property types, existing dwellings and vacant land still outperforming the residential unit market.
The lower end of both are in demand, particularly the sub $600,000 market, the valuers noted.
Property along the coastal strip from Caloundra to Noosa Heads are as always, in demand, and well positioned good quality rural residential properties in hinterland localities have been generating good interest.
The report discusses how, "the market for property on the Sunshine Coast is still being heavily influenced by the interstate migration from the southern states as well as Brisbane buyers relocating north."
The southern end of the coast has two large small lot affordable housing estates which comprise predominantly sub $600,000 single unit dwellings.
Land continues to sell prior to titles being issued in most cases, however HTW valuers have also begun to see a decline in investor activity with the tightening of credit and investor loans by the banks really taking effect.
Further north, land is still selling well at Bli Bli and Peregian Springs although the supply of vacant land in new estates generally decreases north of the Maroochy River with limited sites available.
The improvement in the prestige and higher end properties has historically been driven by a high percentage of interstate investors from Sydney and Melbourne.
"This is especially the case in the Noosa region," it noted.
The relative affordability when comparing Sydney and Melbourne prices to those of the Sunshine Coast demonstrates pretty good value, suggests the report.
It also appears that the Sunshine Coast is pretty high on the "place to be" lists of baby boomers who have started to retire.
The next large infrastructure projects likely to give the coast another boost are the continued development within the much anticipated Maroochydore CBD as well as the Sunshine Coast Airport expansion.
The reported advised the next big game changer was the Sunshine Coast International Broadband Submarine Cable project which is still to be announced.
The report suggests, this project has the potential to make the coast into a major tech hub.
HTW valuers forecast that the Sunshine Coast residential property market will simmer along in much the same fashion as the first half of 2018 with values being good.
Net migration from the southern states is expected to continue as now it appears that the southern markets are cooling and people are selling up and moving north for lifestyle reasons.
The report also predicts that the market may be in the early stages of transitioning after several years of strong growth across all residential property markets.
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Interstate migration boosting Sunshine Coast residential property markets

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The weakening Rockhampton residential market may yet have hope as construction picks up.
The Rockhampton market has been weakening for some time now with relatively sales numbers steady over the past few years, according to the June report from valuation firm Herron Todd White.
January to March was overall quite positive, providing a good start to the year and while the months since have not been as buoyant, there are still signs within the area that market improvement is just around the corner.
The report noted that, overall the housing sector has continued to plod along with no real stand out areas although the prestige market has seen more activity in recent times.
The prestige market has seen more activity in recent times with a number of sales over $1 million and a few close to that.
There is still good buying within most price brackets, with the best buying being in the sub $300,000 established homes.
"Newer homes have tended to hold their prices better over the past few years but are still offering buyers good value for money", suggests the report.
"The construction of new homes has improved slightly, however there is still a way to go, generally due to modern established homes offering better overall value for money at the current time."
A number of unit projects are in progress in various areas throughout the Rockhampton area, one of note, The Gallery, (pictured) which is the latest Riverside high rise apartment complex, is all but completed, with a number of units still available for purchase.
The Skyview complex is also under construction with units still available and The Loft apartments are getting pre-sales together.
New walk-up units are also available on both sides of the river in older more established areas.
The report noted that, older units are generally priced in the lower section of the market and are generally offering good buying.
The second half of the year is looking positive, with a number of projects both small and large either about to start or that have had announcements with funding pending.
Rookwood Weir and the lingering project are the two largest projects that are mooted for the area, stated the valuers.
Should either of these go ahead, they will help drive the Rockhampton and Central Queensland economy in the future.
Should further action towards these projects take place within the next few months, it is expected the property market will react positively.
Other projects taking place in Rockhampton include the construction of the Rockhampton Hospital Carpark and the soon to start duplication of the Capricorn Highway to Gracemere and the Bruce Highway Northern Access upgrade.
The valuers at HTW forecast that, the Rockhampton market will through these projects and other factors see future market improvement.
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