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 Property

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The northern Gold Coast corridor and lower Logan corridors have seen rapid growth over the past ten years, according to a recent report from valuation firm Herron Todd White.
“This area is popular with local and interstate investors as well as owner-occupiers. There are a number of developing residential developments scattered throughout this area and you will find the typical home is owned by a mixture of first home buyers and young families,” the March report found.
“When it comes to local buyers, common boxes they are looking to tick include proximity to public transport, shopping facilities, affordability and locations within good school catchment areas.”
This would explain why Upper Coomera and surrounds have experienced fairly consistent growth over the years. We noticed a subsidence in the market at the beginning of 2019, however during the second half of 2019 to now, this market demonstrated both increase in demand and values,” the report continued.  
A property at 18 Aviation Drive, Upper Coomera comprises a neat, 14-year-old, modern style, four-bedroom, two-bathroom rendered brick and tile dwelling with double garage and transacted in January 2020 for $505,000.
This showed strong growth from the previous sale of $468,000 in August 2018 with only solar panels and fencing upgrades to the property.
The lower-western Logan corridor originally comprised of mostly rural residential housing, however over the past ten years there has been average to good quality medium density housing developments beginning to dominate a number of these suburbs.
Some of the more significant developing residential estates include Flagstone, Yarrabilba, Brookhaven, Pebble Creek and Riverton.
These new housing developments have caused significant change to these suburbs and have resulted in construction of new infrastructure, schools and shopping facilities throughout the region.
South Maclean is an established rural residential locality of circa 700 properties predominantly improved with semi-modern acreage homes.
More recently, construction has begun on the medium density residential estate known as Pebble Creek.
On completion, Pebble Creek will comprise 14 stages with a total of 650 small lots ranging between 280 and 500 square metres in addition to a large $3 million park.
The project was released in late 2019 and at present 32 lots have sold with circa 90% sold to owner-occupiers.
“We have been advised that the majority of sales have been to local buyers, consisting of a mix of first home buyers, young families and retirees downsizing or coming off acreage,” the report said of the project.  
The report concluded that the combination of low interest rates, government incentives and affordable house and land packages in these areas creates a perfect opportunity for first home buyers as well as families looking to make a switch from acreage lifestyle or even the city life.
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Gold Coast north and north-west see rapid growth in last 10 years; Herron Todd White

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The western Gold Coast and Scenic Rim localities comprise a wide mix of demographics across a multitude of different property types, according to a recent report from valuation firm Herron Todd White.
“From established dwellings in residential estates close to the M1 to rural residential allotments in the hinterland and further out over the range, these market segments have proven to be popular choices for a variety of lifestyles,” the March report found.
On the back of lower interest rates coming into effect throughout 2019, the beginning of 2020 saw the federal government introduce a home loan deposit scheme with approved first home buyers requiring a five percent deposit but avoiding paying lender’s mortgage insurance.
 “This has resulted in an increase in first home buyers in the western Gold Coast suburbs such as Nerang, Pacific Pines and Oxenford and further west in the established Scenic Rim suburb of Canungra,” the report continued.
“Generally, these buyers are seeking established dwellings, townhouses or duplexes in a range of conditions, some having the prospect of renovating. In particular, Nerang has seen a higher influx of these kinds of buyers due to its affordability as well as its proximity to amenities, schools and major transport routes. This has resulted in a large number of original style dwellings becoming refurbished in recent times to modern standards.”
“Tamborine Mountain has seen steady growth in the past year and is proving to be a popular locality with the demographic consisting mostly of families and retirees. In more recent times, we have seen a surge in property sales on the mountain with dual living configuration, offering owner-occupiers the potential for supplementary income from dwellings with attached or detached granny flats and secondary dwellings.”
With the suburb being a popular tourist destination, these types of dual accommodation properties are best suited for Airbnb style short term holiday rentals but can also offer permanent rentals which normally tend to attract students or young couples.
The Scenic Rim covers an expansive area to the west of the Gold Coast hinterland comprising mainly rural residential properties with the popular township of Beaudesert being centrally located.
These properties are a lifestyle choice with the present demographic mostly consisting of middle-aged men and women and also families who are looking for land to use as a hobby farm or for equine purposes.
“There is a mix of dwelling types on these properties with the majority being older Queenslander style homes, however as more families are moving into these regional areas, we are seeing a larger amount of new modern dwellings being built and this will continue over the short to medium term,” the report concluded.
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Gold Coast's west home to wide mix of demographics and multitude of property types; Herron Todd White

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In the Gold Coast north-east area - from Southport to Hope Island and out to the M1 - buyer profiles have changed along with the changing market conditions, according to a recent report from valuation firm Herron Todd White.
“As the Gold Coast north-east is an established area, the typical buyer profile currently comprises first time buyers, upgraders and investors. Coming into the back end of 2019, we saw an increase in market confidence that resulted in an increase in buyer activity for established dwellings in areas such as Helensvale, Runaway Bay, Labrador, Southport, Arundel, Molendinar and Parkwood,” the March report found.
“This buyer activity was shared between first home buyers, downsizers and upgraders, with investors slowly returning to the market in late 2019 and early 2020.”
“A lot of the activity has come in the middle to lower end of the dwelling market, being sub-$800,000, which has traditionally seen a higher turnover of stock due to the affordability range for all buyer profiles.”
“Whilst there hasn’t been any noticeable increase in values in the areas over the past 12 months, due to the May election and the banking Royal Commission, there has been a number of opportunistic buyers who believe the market has bottomed.”
“As mentioned, people renovating to sell are slowly re-entering the market, however profit margins are tight. For example, a small one-bedroom unit in Labrador was purchased in August 2019 for $175,000, renovated and then sold in February 2020 for $219,000,” the report continued.
After taking into account the cost of the renovation, interest expense, stamp duty, legal fees, body corporate payments and agent’s fees, the net profit appears to be minimal.
In regard to the $800,000 plus end of the residential market, we are still seeing interstate investors buying property as an investment, with the reported intention of moving from Sydney and Melbourne to live in the future as they still see the Gold Coast as good value compared to their home states, however they are competing against a slowly growing number of local upgraders looking for value.
The report adds that downsizers are only a small portion of the market as people are choosing to stay in the family home for comfort, rather than move to high density living.
“Conversations with downsizers indicate an initial shock due to the close proximity of neighbours, however this is later tempered by the reduced level of maintenance, increased security and the ability to lock up the unit and travel.”
“We do caution downsizers to take care with unit selection as units continue to perform poorly in the Gold Coast north-east region due to inflated off the plan purchase prices.”
The report concludes that, overall, the start of 2020 has seen a lot more buyer activity with the value of sold properties appearing to be reasonable.
This increase in buyer activity is a sign of increased demand, which in turn is expected to lead to a steady increase in values over time.
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Gold Coast north-east sees changes in buyer profiles and market conditions; Herron Todd White

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While values continue to slowly rise in Emerald, turnover has not yet matched that of former glory years, according to the latest report from valuation firm Herron Todd White.
“This is mainly due to a large portion of property owners still with negative equity having purchased in the boom years and not yet able to get out,” the March report found.
“Time is slowly changing this but it has stopped a lot of activity in the upgrade market and people moving around. We therefore are seeing predominantly new first-time home buyers, people moving to town or existing renters now buying.”
The rental market has firmed considerably and with vacancy below two percent, we are likely to see a lot more renters looking to buy.
There is definitely a large portion of young people in the town who have grown up here and stayed or who have moved to town with many jobs on offer in the resources sector and are buying.
Typically, they are active in the sub-$400,000 range.
“Investors are still a minority but are starting to show a bit more activity as rents have been increasing quicker then values in the majority,” the report concluded.
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Emerald's residential turnover continues to rise; Herron Todd White

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The Mackay residential market has a good mix of home owners and potential purchasers, with no real defined trend among different demographics, according to a recent report from valuation firm Herron Todd White.
“We do have three broad market types though, comprising lower level which predominantly is sub- $300,000 to $350,000, middle markets which are between $400,000 and $700,000 and the prestige market which is $700,000 and above,” the firm found in their March report.
“Within the lower level, we are seeing a significant increase in first home buyers entering the market, with local lenders and agents reporting most activity in this price bracket. This can be attributed to a number of reasons. For example, Mackay underwent a significant downturn between 2013 and 2017, in which market values fell 20 to 30 percent. This fall in value has created relative affordability in the Mackay market that was not prevalent in years gone by.”
One negative effect from the downturn that has affected first home buyers is the tougher lending criteria by banks and coupled with the Banking Royal Commission, this has put far greater tests on borrowers, particularly with deposits.
This has made it far more difficult for first home buyers to save deposits for middle markets and therefore they are choosing the lower level market.
Those who have been able to save larger deposits have definitely taken advantage of the first home owner’s building boost and built new dwellings usually in the $450,000 to $500,000 price range.
The middle markets have also been active in Mackay over the past two years.
The main purchasers in this price bracket are upgraders and new residents moving to Mackay, usually established families, according to the report.
“Prior to the downturn, Mackay had a reputation as being a mining town with affordability and cost of living being a big hindrance to non-mine related employees,” it continued.
“That has definitely changed, with Mackay now back on the radar for teachers, police, ambulance, firefighters and other occupations who previously may have avoided Mackay.”
The only downside to this market segment is that the median price of dwellings fell by around $100,000, with some falls higher within this price bracket.
That erosion of equity has limited the ability of some who purchased at the peak of the market to sell their existing homes.
The last market segment is the prestige market which has also seen good activity over the past two years. “Again, this comes down to affordability and the fact that the majority of prestige dwellings selling in Mackay are usually below replacement cost, offering good value for money for those able to afford them,” the report found.
“Purchasers in this market are usually good middle-income upgraders as well as other professionals who waited during the downturn until values stabilised and have now entered the market.”
“Construction of large executive and architect designed dwellings has also increased over the past two years on the back of renewed confidence in the Mackay economy,” the report concluded.
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Mackay residential market has mix of home owners and potential purchasers; Herron Todd White

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The Gold Coast's south region has a particularly wide range of typical buyers, according to a recent report from valuation firm Herron Todd White.
“First home buyers are generally found in suburbs such as Varsity Lakes and Robina,” the March report continued.
Upgraders are generally found in Palm Beach, Tugun and Currumbin where the price levels are higher and houses are larger.
Families are generally located within Robina, Varsity Lakes and Palm Beach which are all located close to great amenities, and retirees and downsizers are mainly found in Miami and Palm Beach.
“The main changes happening in this area is that many of the rundown or original homes are being purchased by young people who renovate and then put the home on the market to be purchased by families who do not wish to do renovation works.”
The houses are being bought from retirees and downsizers who then generally purchase new unit stock along the coastline.
This puts pressure on first home buyers as prices have increased and it is very hard to enter the market in the majority of suburbs except for one-bedroom units, or two- and three- bedroom units and townhouses.
Areas such as Varsity Lakes have been de-commissioned which has seen the purchase of ex-commission housing for renovation and on-sale for good profit which makes the Mattocks and Varsity Lakes area a more sought-after location.
Palm Beach and Elanora have also seen a massive re-gentrification over the past ten years.
These suburbs were once not sought after at all and are now highly sought after.
The southern Gold Coast and northern New South Wales localities generally attract traditional families, retirees or young couples.
Hardly any of the properties within the locality are co-owned between friends or comprise multi-generational living. House design is becoming more modern however the layout of homes is remaining pretty much the same as it has over the past five years.
The report concluded that the tram being expected to go to the airport over the next ten years will be the biggest factor in this area, however noted that no other facilities or services have been established purely on societal gentrification.
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Gold Coast's south region home to unusually diverse buyer demographics; Herron Todd White

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Rockhampton homes vary greatly from pre-1900s Queenslanders right through to your modern estate built brick homes, according to a recent report from valuation firm Herron Todd White.
“Typically, the older established areas such as Wandal, The Range and Allenstown in the south and Berserker, Park Avenue and Koongal on the north side comprise high set timber and fibro homes, mostly being built between 1930 and 1975,” the March report found.
"After this, the 1980s through to the early 2000s suburbs such as Frenchville, Norman Gardens and Kawana experienced expansion in the form of single and two-level brick homes."
“As to buyer profiles, there has never been a defined trend amongst the various buyer types as most categories have been spread across these areas.”
“It should be noted however that in more recent years many of the first home owners have been attracted to new housing estates in suburbs such as Gracemere, Parkhurst and Norman Gardens, taking advantage of the government grants and financial benefits on offer.”
The older suburbs however can in many cases offer much lower entry level prices which can also be attractive.
The last decade has seen a large number of first home owners buying and upgrading albeit some choose to renovate or extend their existing homes.
In summary, the report concluded, it is difficult to foresee any major changes in these buyer profiles moving forward and a sporadic spread is the best way to sum up where different types of home owners are operating.
“Whether it be upgraders, downsizers, retirees, family buyers or first home owners, all of these various profiles are operating within the various suburbs discussed above.”
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Rockhampton seeing no defined trend amongst buyer types; Herron Todd White

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Hervey Bay has a good mix of purchasers across most asset classes, according to a recent report from valuation firm Herron Todd White.
The entry level range sub-$350,000 appeals to first home owners and downsizers, the March report found.
These homes are generally smaller three-or four-bedroom properties.
“This asset class also appeals to investors as gross returns can be upwards of five percent in some cases. Mid-range property up to $600,000 comprises a broad range from residential houses, acreage or even small scale rural lifestyle blocks,” the firm continued.
“This market is also a mix of owners and investors.”
Homes are generally larger and ancillary improvements become more extensive.
$600,000 to $800,000 sees predominantly owner-occupiers in the Dundowran Beach, Craignish and Wondunna acreage locations. Again, these are large homes with extensive ancillary improvements.
This range is also the base level entry for Esplanade homes along the Hervey Bay foreshore.
“Prestige homes above $800,000 are generally found along the Esplanade in Hervey Bay and this is an owner-occupier market.
“Although the buyer profile has not changed, there appears to be more confidence in this market sector over the past 12 months which is encouraging for the area. Another market that has continued to gain momentum over the past 12 months is the RV park owner with a number of complexes currently under construction in Hervey Bay,” the report concluded.
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Hervey Bay sees wide mix of purchasers across asset classes; Herron Todd White

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Much the same as most other regional locations across Central Queensland, Gladstone has a good mix of home-owner types, according to a recent report from valuation firm Herron Todd White.
“Investors have been very prominent during boom periods, however first home owners and upgraders have taken the market share of purchasers over the past two to three years,” the report found.
“It’s not hard to recognise the value to be had in the current market even after having seen minor price growth over the past 12 months. We have seen a marked increase in demand for executive style large four-bedroom homes on larger lots and typically with pools or sheds.”
The report concluded that the increase in demand has come from out of town buyers (typically from southern markets) wanting to downsize their mortgage but at the same time not wanting to compromise on quality or features.
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Gladstone residential market dominated by first home buyers and upgraders; Herron Todd White

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A wave of new waterfront opportunities is now available at Pelican Waters’ prestigious residential precinct The Quays, on the doorstep of an emerging world-class marina and marina village.
Pelican Waters land specialist Jackie Dalton said the boutique, two-storey sites had generated broad appeal among young families, couples and retirees.
“Buyers are drawn to the incredible lifestyle benefits and the freedom of reflecting their individual tastes through contemporary, bespoke home designs,’’ she said.
Six unique waterfront sites are currently on the market ranging in size from 380 sqm to 475 sqm, and priced from $495,000 to $620,000.
“Enquiry for waterfront land has remained strong throughout 2020, and we expect demand to be high for the final remaining land at The Quays. This is likely to be the last land to be released anywhere in Pelican Waters until early next year,’’ Ms Dalton said.
The Quays offers the last available tidal waterfront lots at Pelican Waters, with future waterfront releases to be behind a lock and weir system.
The fully-functioning marina and boatyard will include a boat stacker with 160 spaces for boats up to 10m long plus 125 wet berths catering for vessels up to 13m.
Associated facilities and services will include a boat lift, shipwright, marine mechanics and electricians, anti-fouling service, boat detailing and chandlery plus amenities such as fuelling, sewerage pump, café and users’ lounge.
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