<p>Not all apartment amenities are immediately visible.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Online shopping has been one of the biggest drivers of that shift.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>For apartment residents, however, receiving those deliveries isn't always straightforward.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Australia Post's Parcel Locker network is one response to that shift.</p>

<p><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></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>That growing presence reflects a broader change in how apartment buildings are being planned.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>For buyers comparing apartments, these everyday details are becoming part of the decision-making process.</p>

<p>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.</p>


Joel Robinson

Parcel delivery is joining the apartment amenity checklist

<p data-end="471" data-start="164">Inca Property Group has lodged a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for Dawn, a 53-apartment oceanfront development overlooking Mona Vale Beach.</p>

<p data-end="777" data-start="473">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.</p>

<p data-end="976" data-start="779">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.</p>

<p data-end="1119" data-start="978"><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.</p>

<p data-end="1399" data-start="1121">"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.</p>

<p data-end="1399" data-start="1121">"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."</p>

<p data-end="1605" data-start="1401">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.</p>

<p data-end="1852" data-start="1607">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.</p>

<p data-end="1852" data-start="1607"><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" /></p>

<p data-end="2031" data-start="1854">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.</p>

<p data-end="2299" data-start="2033">"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.</p>

<p data-end="2588" data-start="2301">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.</p>

<p data-end="4143" data-start="3991">Construction will be undertaken by Inca's in-house construction arm, GOP Constructions.</p>

<p data-end="593" data-start="417">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.</p>

<p data-end="789" data-start="598">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.</p>

<p data-end="1053" data-start="794">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.</p>

<p data-end="4143" data-start="3991"><em>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></em></p>

<p data-end="4143" data-start="3991"><em>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></em></p>


First look: Inca eyes Mona Vale with State Significant DA for Dawn apartments

<p>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;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>"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;</p>

<p>"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;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365782]</p>

<p>Kutner said it was clear there was still high demand for luxury projects that offered certainty of delivery.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“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;</p>

<p>"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;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365785]</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365767]</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>Kutner said buyer demand had been broad based with purchasers attracted from interstate as well as throughout South East Queensland.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"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;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365771]</p>

<p>Kutner said the sales milestone was an important achievement, but the focus remained firmly on delivering an exceptional development.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"While reaching $400 million in sales is an important milestone, our priority remains delivering a project that exceeds purchaser expectations,” he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"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;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108274]</p>


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

<p>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>.</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=368000]</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>“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;</p>

<p>“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.</p>

<p>“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;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=367993]</p>

<p>BINAH’s Managing Director, Khalil Hafza, said the company was proud to be partnering with Goldfields to deliver Quartet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“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;</p>

<p>“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;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=367999]</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><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;</p>

<p>“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;</p>

<p>“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;</p>

<p>Construction of Quartet will commence in July 2026, with completion anticipated in Q4 2028.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108736]</p>


Construction to commence on 131-residence tower designed around wellness-focused living

Goldfields appoints BINAH for Quartet apartments in Milton

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=151233 project_image_fid=375378]</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>"The level of early commitment reflects the confidence local buyers have in the Hutt Street precinct," Dendrinos said.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>"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."</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=151233 project_image_fid=375379]</p>

<p>Otello Director Daniel Harris said the sales result also highlighted the lack of new apartment opportunities within the Hutt Street precinct.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>"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."</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Construction is scheduled to commence in the third quarter of this year, with completion anticipated in 2028.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151233]</p>


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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<div id="post-body-4955982737537404109" class="post-body entry-content">
<div>Building Approvals declined by 5.2 percent in May to be 9.2 percent lower than a year ago in seasonally adjusted terms. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Somewhat optimistically the "trend" result is still recording a rise, but it does appears that the peak of the building approvals boom has now passed. </div>
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<br><div>A couple of observations.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Firstly, although this was clearly a weaker result than last month's bonanza - one which probably at last signifies the beginning of the end for this construction cycle - the hyperbole in reporting can get overblown.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>There were after all some 19,706 dwellings approved in May (in original terms) - down from a massive 20,612 in April - historically very high numbers, and higher than had ever been seen until the last quarter of 2014.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Whether or not all of these dwellings all get built is another matter. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>In rolling annual terms total approvals fell to 233,900 down from a peak of 240,130 in October 2015, comprising of 117,300 houses and 116,600 units, townhouses and apartments. </div>
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<br><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">City by city</span></strong><br><br><div>At the capital city level, approvals in Melbourne have recorded four very strongly monthly readings in a row, taking annual detached house approvals for the Victorian capital up to a fresh cyclical high of 25,600 (a crunching 57 per cent more than Sydney over the same period). </div>
<div> </div>
<div>This chart is worth noting when folk talk about a so-called "oversupply" in Sydney - a lasting oversupply not quite so easy to achieve at the city level when you are building so few detached houses into romping population growth. </div>
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</div>
<div class="post-body entry-content">
<img src="/images/2016/07/05/BA3.jpg" alt=""><br><br><div>The monthly decline in approvals was driven by huge declines in attached approvals in Sydney (from 3,777 to 2,900) and especially Brisbane (2,500 to 1,062). </div>
<div> </div>
<div>That said, there were some sneaky upwards revisions totaling more than 1,800 additional dwellings to previously reported figures, and three quarter of these related to New South Wales and Queensland. </div>
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</div>
<div class="post-body entry-content">
<img src="/images/2016/07/05/BA2.jpg" alt=""><br><br><div>Overall, although it's a volatile data series it does look as though the unit and apartments approvals boom has passed its peak.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Approvals in Western Australia have now been trending down since September 2014, which should help to bring the rental market back into equilibrium in due course. </div>
<br><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">High rise declines</span></strong><br><br><div>This cycle has been characterised by the approval of greater volumes of 4+ storey dwellings than ever before, with more than 70,300 approved over the past year alone - an astonishing 57 times more than we saw in 1992.  </div>
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<div> </div>
<div>The most recent data suggests that high approvals are starting to wane, though, especially in Victoria where a glut of high rise approvals was pulled forward into 2015.  </div>
<br><a href="/images/2016/07/05/BA1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
</div>
<div class="post-body entry-content">
<img src="/images/2016/07/05/BA1.jpg" alt=""><br><br><div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The wrap</span></strong></div>
<div> </div>
<div>Overall, another very strong result, but there are now multiple indicators suggesting that the peak of the construction cycle is all about upon us.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>One of these days we'll all be able to say we called it!</div>
<div> </div>
<div>All eyes will be on the Reserve Bank of Australia at 2.30pm, in particular to determine the wording of their policy statement.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Will an easing bias be reinstated ahead of a possible August interest rate cut?</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<p><span><em>PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">blogger</a>.</em><br></span></p>
<p><em>His latest book is <a href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>.</em></p>
</div>
<div> </div>
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pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

Approvals decline  for Sydney and Brisbane units: Pete Wargent

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<p>Real estate website onthehouse has compiled a list of Canberra's most affordable suburbs, with Hughes, Curtain and Downer making up the top three affordable suburbs.</p>
<p>The comparison table, below, features median values, capital growth and rental yield.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Suburb Postcode Dwelling Region Median Value Capital Growth Last 12 Months Rental Yield Median Rent</p>
<p><strong>Hughes</strong> 2605 Units Metro $280,000 9.79% 5.74% $310</p>
<p><strong>Curtin</strong> 2605 Units Metro $292,000 -2.98% 5.49% $305</p>
<p><strong>Downer</strong> 2602 Units Metro $302,500 4.91% 5.52% $320</p>
<p><strong>Lyons</strong> 2606 Units Metro $303,500 4.13% 5.48% $320</p>
<p><strong>Crace</strong> 2911 Units Metro $320,500 5.12% 5.72% $350</p>
<p><strong>Fisher</strong> 2611 Units Metro $337,500 -3.18% 5.02% $325</p>
<p><strong>Theodore</strong> 2905 Units Metro $339,500 -4.28% 5.49% $355</p>
<p><strong>Macgregor</strong> 2615 Units Metro $340,500 -1.06% 5.57% $365</p>
<p><strong>Franklin</strong> 2913 Units Metro $344,000 2.51% 5.49% $360</p>
<p><strong>Ngunnawal</strong> 2913 Units Metro $344,000 -2.28% 5.44% $360</p>
<p><strong>Holt</strong> 2615 Units Metro $347,500 4.87% 5.50% $365</p>
<p><strong>Gordon</strong> 2906 Units Metro $349,000 -3.93% 5.34% $355</p>
<p><strong>Phillip</strong> 2606 Units Metro $350,000 -0.54% 5.35% $360</p>
<p><strong>Palmerston</strong> 2913 Units Metro $352,000 -2.64% 5.46% $370</p>
<p><strong>Melba</strong> 2615 Units Metro $354,500 -1.40% 5.82% $395</p>
<p><strong>Calwell</strong> 2905 Units Metro $357,000 -2.48% 5.41% $370</p>
<p><strong>Isabella Plains</strong> 2905 Units Metro $362,000 -3.75% 5.28% $365</p>
<p><strong>Kambah</strong> 2902 Units Metro $362,000 -0.11% 5.25% $365</p>
<p><strong>Belconnen</strong> 2617 Units Metro $362,500 0.61% 5.26% $365</p>
<p><strong>Watson</strong> 2602 Units Metro $369,000 1.95% 5.28% $375</p>
<p><strong>Casey</strong> 2913 Units Metro $371,500 4.50% 5.47% $390</p>
<p><strong>Harrison</strong> 2914 Units Metro $371,500 0.77% 5.12% $365</p>
<p><strong>Conder</strong> 2906 Units Metro $373,000 -0.28% 5.22% $375</p>
<p><strong>Wanniassa</strong> 2903 Units Metro $373,500 1.67% 4.98% $355</p>
<p><strong>Page</strong> 2614 Units Metro $385,000 1.73% 5.14% $380</p>
<p><strong>Macquarie</strong> 2614 Units Metro $386,500 1.64% 5.10% $380</p>
<p><strong>Hackett</strong> 2602 Units Metro $388,000 4.42% 4.81% $355  </p>
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Canberra's most affordable suburbs: Onthehouse

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<p>Implementing the Labor government's policy on negative gearing will risk economic recovery as Australia moves from resource investment to other growth drivers such as housing investment, according to the Real Estate Institute of Australia.</p>
<p>REIA president Neville Sanders said a change in negative gearing arrangements will put that at risk economic growth and cut the asset base of Australian households at a time when we need to facilitate further sustained growth in the housing sector.</p>
<p>“Australia’s property industry is the main driver of economic growth and increased employment in the transition away from a decade-long reliance on mining, and whilst it is expected that the weakening Australian dollar will provide a much needed stimulus to a number of sectors, the impact of this is still some time away," he said.</p>
<p>“Providing a stimulus to economic activity outside the mining sector, including the housing and building sectors, was amongst the main reasons for the RBA to keep the official cash rate at record low levels since August 2013.</p>
<p>“The value of building stock owned by Australian households is $5.6 trillion1 (million million). It has been predicted by SQM Research that on a national basis as much as 16 percent could be wiped off this over the three years 2018 to 2020 under the Labor policy."</p>
<p>Laing + Simmons managing director Leanne Pilkington said it is somewhat academic to debate whether this is a price drop of 16 percent or whether prices growth will be 16 percent lower.</p>
<p>"The stark fact remains that household assets across Australia will be devalued by $900 billion," she said.</p>
<p>"This amount is wiped from spending in local economies and off nest eggs."</p>
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Economy cannot withstand labor’s experiment on negative gearing: REIA

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<div class="ms-rteFontFace-5 ms-rteFontSize-2">The Tenancy Unit within Consumer Affairs provides services to tenants and landlords/agent of residential properties in the Northern Territory.</div>
<div class="ms-rteFontFace-5 ms-rteFontSize-2"> </div>
<div class="ms-rteFontFace-5 ms-rteFontSize-2">The legislative responsibilities of tenants and landlords are outlined in the Residential Tenancies Act.</div>
<div class="ms-rteFontFace-5 ms-rteFontSize-2"> </div>
<div class="ms-rteFontFace-5 ms-rteFontSize-2">The landlord/tenant relationship is usually harmonious but difficulties do arise, and sometimes landlords and tenants have different ideas of their respective rights and responsibilities.</div>
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<div>Landlords are allowed to pass on the full cost of water consumption provided:</div>
<div>•          the rental premises are individually metered, and</div>
<div>•          the tenancy agreement states the tenant must pay for water consumption.</div>
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</div>
<div class="ms-rteFontFace-5">However, a landlord cannot ask a tenant to pay for charges, levies, rates or taxes, other than a charge payable by the owner or occupier of the premises for electricity, gas or water supplied to the premises.</div>
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<div>From 1 June 2015, applications in relation to the <em>Residential Tenancies Act </em> are heard by the Northern Territory Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NTCAT).  Applications are required to be lodged on a NTCAT form.</div>
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<div>This form, as well as advice on NTCAT procedures and processes, can be found on the NTCAT website: </div>
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<div>Northern Territory Consumer Affairs will continue to provide assistance with information and advice on all tenancies matters and notices, excluding Residential Tenancy Applications and processes.</div>
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<div>For more information, <a href="https://www.ntcat.nt.gov.au%20%20" target="_blank">click here</a>.</div>
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Property 101: NT rental tenancy rights and responsibilities

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<p>I almost choked on my fresh brew of coffee as I read what I and the local agents consider to be low rental data reports, shared last week.</p>
<p>I do completely understand that the author is relying on data provided by Domain head-office; nevertheless, the Domain figures are, in my opinion, far from the true reflection of the current rental market.</p>
<p><em>"Poles apart we may say..."</em></p>
<p>Real Data and live data is what is required now and in keeping with property investor demands and the financial institutions that rely on these. Most can’t and don’t have the resources to call and drive around Sydney, nor do they know where to look.</p>
<p><em>"Relying on property portal listings by agencies; is definitely fraught with  danger..."</em> </p>
<p>The following reported numbers are what I believe reflect the true picture, one that will soon be the demise of many want-to-be investors and those that have this fear of missing out. </p>
<p>NORTHMEAD NSW, 2152</p>
<p>Property portal shows: 34 units available for rent (21/6/2016)</p>
<p>Real Data: reveals closer to <strong>260 units available</strong></p>
<p>CANTERBURY NSW, 2193</p>
<p>Property portal showing: 98 units available for lease (21/6/2016)</p>
<p>Real Data: reveals <strong>360 plus units now on the market</strong> for lease. </p>
<p>PARRAMATTA NSW, 2150</p>
<p>Property portal showing: 217 units available for lease (21/6/2016)</p>
<p>* ONLY A WEEK AGO THE PORTAL DATA REFLECTED "156 Vacancies." <em>On their figures alone, this is an increase of approximately 30 percent in only a week.</em><strong><em>   </em></strong></p>
<p>Real Data: reveals an estimated <strong>number closer to 900 units available</strong> for lease.</p>
<p><strong>Warning and Tips</strong></p>
<p><em>There are more apartment blocks under the final stages of completion. These will have occupation certificates within the next 2-3 months.  We estimate another 300-500 properties to roll onto the rental market in Parramatta in this time. </em></p>
<p>The above mentioned manifestation,  is not confined to Western Sydney.  Many suburbs of Sydney are experiencing similar developments...</p>
<p><strong>Real Data</strong></p>
<p>Real Data is a compilation of information gathered from local area real estate agents, knowledge of buildings under construction and communication with the selling agents and property managers.</p>
<p>Real Data should serve as a warning to people looking to enter the property investment market in Sydney. In particular, people that are looking to purchase property off the plan and in newly built apartment blocks.</p>
<p>We recommend that the investor/property buyer, seeks local real estate advice and looks carefully at the local rental market return trends and availability. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><em><span>EDWIN ALMEIDA</span> is licensee in charge of <a href="https://www.just-think.com.au/" target="_blank">Just Think Real Estate</a>.<a href="https://www.just-thin.com.au/"><br></a></em></p>
<p><em>He is also the creator of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/JustThinkProperty" target="_blank">Oz Real Estate.TV</a> and a presenter for <a href="https://propertyinvestingvault.com/" target="_blank">propertyinvestingvault.com</a>.</em></p>
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ealmedia-arK4DBYLjS

Data and the demise of many want-to-be investors: Edwin Almeida

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<p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.edu.au/content/57114/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1"></p>
<p>GUEST OBSERVER</p>
<p>The Queensland government recently launched a call for ideas to shape a revised plan for the future of Southeast Queensland.</p>
<p>The deputy premier and minister for infrastructure, local government and planning, Jackie Trad spoke recently of the opportunities for Southeast Queenslanders to grow communities sustainably and protect the region’s amenity – its environs, facilities, services and values.</p>
<p>This plan will consider consequences for the next 50 years. A 20-year plan will underpin the 50-year vision.</p>
<p>However, a long-term plan can’t properly underpin a vision without engaging many of Southeast Queensland’s stakeholders and visitors. It must also use appropriate futures methods to help look ahead 50 years.</p>
<p>What role for futures thinking?</p>
<p>Professional futures studies tools help to map, anticipate and deepen understanding of complex local and global trends and challenges. Kelvin Spiller’s experience as CEO at Maroochy Shire Council, on the Sunshine Coast, includes a process of “visioning” to establish long-term priorities across the whole city.</p>
<p>Now CEO of Geelong City Council, Spiller believes such visioning is vital for successful local government:</p>
<p>"particularly when there are service implications worth tens of millions of dollars or infrastructure replacement is necessary."</p>
<p>He employs the following steps to bring about change in cities:</p>
<ul>
<li>visioning with stakeholders;</li>
<li>service planning;</li>
<li>asset strategy planning;</li>
<li>encouraging leaders and managers via upskilling and guidance contained in legislation;</li>
<li>gaining a clear understanding of the council, government and community financial opportunities and constraints in relation to the vision as identified by the wider community. Link the infrastructure and social requirements of the vision to the finances available;</li>
<li>managing carefully the expectations, what can be achieved and timelines with the community, key stakeholders and governments; and</li>
<li>regularly refreshing the vision and strategic direction process with key stakeholders.</li>
</ul>
<p>What the plan needs</p>
<p>The plan must consider the pressing and engaging futures that affect the region’s residents. These include the softer social and harder economic and environmental issues and solutions that must cascade throughout cities if we want to achieve sustainability.</p>
<p>Southeast Queensland’s population will grow to 5.3 million people in the next 25 years, according to Trad. This growth has implications for how Queenslanders settle and then relocate in the region given the demographics of age groups and lifestyle changes – for example, work opportunities, career changes and family developments.</p>
<p>One implication of accelerated change is how quickly preferences of Generations X and Y change from wanting co-location options, specialised services and village communities. Each generation is seeking services that match their particular needs.</p>
<p>Futures opportunities up for grabs</p>
<p>In visioning initiatives in the region’s cities, communities have created city visions. These called for the priorities to be areas of community and cultural connection, engagement, openness and environmental sustainability.</p>
<p>A priority is pride in cities, and how we sustain a socially just and connected society across all demographics. Taking care of youth through to the elderly, multiple cultures, the disabled and disempowered requires designing and innovating to meet future health, security, cultural, education and social needs.</p>
<p>Uniting people around behaviours that help maintain and enhance the quality of our ecosystems, pristine air, water, food and energy requirements will remain of vital importance.</p>
<p>Our economic interests include prospects for jobs and prosperity – not simply in creating wealth, but also in creating opportunities. Transport and technology challenges, the new digital economy and our knowledge economy factor highly.</p>
<p>Our capacity to connect regionally to globally is also critical. Economic hotspots around the globe are shifting, as are the cities, mega-cities and cultures we network with.</p>
<p>Questions remain</p>
<p>The plan’s strengths are in thinking about issues dealing with infrastructure and land use. Yet, in proposing the plan’s revision, some questions about “softer” issues remain unanswered:</p>
<p>1  In considering long-term consequences, will the plan help the creation of innovative futures networks that empower hard-to-reach communities alongside policymakers, businesses, NGOs, consultants and universities? And will it legislate for more and better community engagement standards by cities in the region?</p>
<p>2  Given the projected population growth and accelerating pace of technological and climate change, will the plan encourage cities to develop city-wide visions and community plans to help them consider the opportunities and challenges ahead?</p>
<p>What issues will the plan translate into strategy and actions to tackle regional challenges? Will these include health, education, policing and encouragement of jobs that create sustainable futures?</p>
<p>Answers to these questions will depend largely on how stakeholders, community members and interested persons respond to the <a href="https://www.shapingseq.com.au/about-shaping-seq" target="_blank">call for feedback</a>.</p>
<p><em><span class="fn author-name">Colin Russo is f</span>uturist, University of the Sunshine Coast and author for The Conversation. He can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/colin-russo-267108" target="_blank">here</a>.</em></p>
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Queensland’s 50-year vision for its southeast must take heed of all region’s future needs

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<p>Eight residential property owners have banded together to sell their homes together for around $9 million.</p>
<p>The homes in the Melbourne suburb of Cheltenham have been dubbed the 'Bayside 8'. According to Savills this is the largest bayside consolidated development site opportunity ever to be offered to the market.</p>
<p>Zoned General Residential 1, the 375-389 Bay Road property comprises eight adjoining sites, totaling 4715 square metres, with 135 metres frontage to Bay Road, located directly opposite a retail shopping strip and just down from Southland.</p>
<p>Savills marketing agent Julian Heatherich said the owners had considered the location and size of the property, with main road frontage, within 300 metres of the proposed new Southland railway station, and just down the road from Westfield Southland shopping centre and Bayside beaches, would make an exceptional multi-unit residential development site.</p>
<p>"Developers have been very keen, not simply because of the availability of a site, but because of the certainty provided by policies and zonings designed to offer higher density housing to a growing Melbourne population in locations with significant established amenity," he said.</p>
<p>"Owners, particularly those in the sand belt and surrounding bayside suburbs have become savvy vendors and developers have been happy to oblige with purchases that have often returned more than the individual owners could have hoped for.</p>
<p>"The location would appear to be perfect for higher density development with the new station at Southland - due for completion next year according to PTV - a major consideration."</p>
<p>Savills has sold over 120 residential properties in newly-rezoned areas over last 24 months in suburbs across Melbourne, including the first known example of this type of consolidation sale, when three neighbours in Bent Street, Bentleigh sold their adjoining homes to a China based developer for $5.76 million in June 2014.</p>
<p>The property is for sale via expressions of interest closing Wednesday, July 6 at 2pm.</p>
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Eight owners market one acre Cheltenham site

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<p>The Queensland city of Mackay is approaching the bottom of the market for houses while remaining in decline for units, according to valuation firm Herron Todd White's recent property clock.</p>
<p>Mackay was at the same stages in the April clock as well, which looked at its fringe suburbs.</p>
<p>There are quite a number of fringe suburbs and rural townships scattered in most directions from Mackay. These fringe areas all received good solid market gains through the period 2010 to 2013 on the back of a very strong Mackay residential market. The main attraction was affordability, with a lot more bang for your buck in these areas. Towns such as Sarina and its surrounding beach towns to the south and Marian and Mirani in the Pioneer Valley were good performers as the market moved out of Mackay. </p>
<p>However, since 2014, the Mackay market has fallen significantly on the back of a weakened resource sector and the heavy reliance the Mackay residential market has on the mining industry. The market in Mackay generally has fallen between 20% and 30% with weakening demand for both sale and rental properties and rising vacancy rates. While this downturn has seen values fall, it has presented some great buying opportunities in terms of value levels not seen in Mackay for more than 10 years. </p>
<p>This fall in property values in Mackay has had a huge influence on sale numbers and values in the fringe areas. The big wave that rode out of Mackay in the boom times has definitely receded. The relative affordability now experienced in Mackay has meant these fringe areas had to reposition price points to compete. Towns such as Marian and Sarina have seen significant price falls sometimes greater in percentage terms than seen in Mackay City. </p>
<p>Property Observer looked up a few recent property sales in some of the fringe suburbs of Mackay such as Sarina and Marian, from www.realestate.com.au:</p>
<p>The median price of houses in Sarina is $299,600, according to CoreLogic RP Data. There was no recent data for units.</p>
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<p><span>The four-bedroom house at </span><a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-sarina-121472326" target="_blank">95 West Street Sarina Qld 4737</a> last traded at $292,000.</p>
<p><img src="/images/2016/06/09/Screen%20Shot%202016-06-09%20at%208.25.21%20AM.png" alt=""> </p>
<p>The median house price in Marian was $420,000, according to CoreLogic RP Data. <span>There was no recent data for units.</span></p>
<p><span>A four-bedroom house at </span><a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-marian-122061830" target="_blank">25 West Street Marian Qld 4753</a> traded for $386,000. </p>
<p> <img src="/images/2016/06/09/Screen%20Shot%202016-06-09%20at%208.31.33%20AM.png" alt="" width="550" height="349"></p>
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prateek24-ezbwHMbNAk

Resources boom over, fringes around Queensland's Mackay seeing price falls: HTW

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<p>The penthouse 8/27 Billyard Ave Elizabeth Bay has been sold at $8.55 million pre-auction.</p>
<p>It was once owned by one of Sydney's most glamorous businesswoman, Karin Upton Baker who vacated it four years ago.</p>
<p>The dormer pied-a-terre was listed by the veteran developer Phillip Wolanski through R&amp;W.</p>
<p>The Billyard Avenue, Elizabeth Bay penthouse was sold by mortgagees at $5 million two years ago.</p>
<p>It's two week's in a row for Elizabeth Bay as the top selling property for the week ending May 29 was a three bedroom waterfront unit on the avenue's harbourside. </p>
<p>The property, 3/28 Billyard Avenue, Elizabeth Bay, sold for $7 million through Peter Starr at McGrath Estate Agents.</p>
<p>The median price for an apartment in Elizabeth Bay is $755,000, according to CoreLogic</p>
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Elizabeth Bay penthouse sells at $8.55 million pre-auction

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<p>The REIV has released Melbourne's most affordable suburbs according to their median price.</p>
<p>The lowest median comes from Wyndham Vale, 31 kilometres southwest of the Melbourne CBD.</p>
<p>You can get a <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-wyndham+vale-122551150" target="_blank">three bedroom home at 4 Bligh Place</a> (above) in Wyndham Vale, which is available for between $330,000 and $350,000.</p>
<p><br><img src="/images/2016/06/03/image2.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>Cranbourne also have a few offerings for lower than the median price, with a<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-cranbourne-122644442" target="_blank"> three bedroom home with pool</a> (above) on the market for $330,000.</p>
<p><strong>The REIV’s median reveals Melbourne’s most affordable suburbs</strong></p>
<p>1. Wyndham Vale - $350,000</p>
<p>2. Cranbourne - $366,500</p>
<p>3. Sunbury - $370,000</p>
<p>4. Werribee - $380,000</p>
<p>5. Pakenham - $383,000</p>
<p>6. Hoppers Crossing - $410,000</p>
<p>7. Tarneit - $415,000</p>
<p>8. Craigieburn - $417,000</p>
<p>9. Frankston - $426,000</p>
<p>10. Mernda - $427,000</p>
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