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 Sale

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The Hillside, Melbourne home once owned by gangland wife Roberta Williams, the widow of convicted drug dealer Carl, has been sold.
Williams paid $280,000 for the two-storey house in 2000, selling it three years later for $450,000 to the vendors who listed it in May quoting $590,000-plus.
It was passed in at auction last month for $610,000, with Barry Plant Taylors Lakes selling 20 St John Paul Drive this month for $690,000.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Roberta Williams' former Hillside house sold at $690,000

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The weekend auction offering at 23A Aitchander Road, West Ryde fetched $1,380,000 which was $150,000 over reserve.
The battle axe block did little to deter buyers interested in the 950sqm of land on offer.
The house was in original condition and requiring total renovation or a knock down and re-build.
During the campaign, 70 inspections and 14 contracts were issued, nine buyers registered on auction day of which four took part in the bidding which opened at $1.1 million through auctioneer, Rocky Bartolotto from Auction Services.
Robert Younis from First National West Ryde secured his third bidder - the eventual buyer - at $1,280,000 with another new bidder then joining in the bidding.
The top bidders were a young couple who plan to renovate.
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West Ryde re-build sold for $1.38 million

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The weekend sale of a former The Block project offering at a loss highlighted the risk of buying under the gaze of the television bright lights.
The <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.jelliscraig.com.au/property-details-2-1a-Affleck-Street-South-Yarra/383097" target="_blank">2/1a Affleck St, South Yarra</a> apartment was among 626 homes put to weekend auction in Melbourne, now the adopted home of the soon to return Channel 9 renovation stress series that began in Sydney in 2003.
The whole floor former Hotel Saville apartment — transformed on the Blocktagon last year by Caro and Kingi - sold to owner-occupiers for $1.722 million.
Despite three bidders, the sale price through the Jellis Craig agency was $13,000 less than its $1.735 million price as last November’s televised auction.
Selling agent Nathan Waterson noted it was was sold without its furniture, which he estimated to be worth $150,000.
The vendors had won the apartment in a $2 ticket purchase in the Mater Prize Home lottery.
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The Block South Yarra apartment falls short of prior auction price

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Airlie House in the Melbourne suburb of Yarraville set a recent record price when it sold for $3.28 million.
The heritage listed property at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-yarraville-122200498" target="_blank">31-33 Somerville Road</a> sale price was $900,000 higher than the prior Yarraville record of $2.38 million set earlier this year at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-yarraville-121760386" target="_blank">82 Stephens Street.</a>
It was known as Airlie House, then later The Elms due to the trees lining the property boundary.
The vine-covered four-bedroom home was built in 1859 by Footscray councillor, factory owner and solicitor Stephen Stephens.
The home was offered for sale for the first time in more than 70 years.
Yesterday the Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced that a three-kilometre twin tunnel will be built beneath the suburb of Yarraville, as part of a project to provide Melburnians a second river crossing to the West Gate Bridge.
The tunnel is longer than expected and forms part of the $5.5 billion Western Distributor project.
Rob Caniglia, the property’s listing agent from Nicholas Scott Real Estate Yarraville, said the new owner was weighing up their options for the site.
The 1866 square-metre site attracted interest from prospective medical and childcare centres as well as residential developers and private buyers.
At weekend auction 11 Neylon Strert, Yarraville sold for $1.48 million with the charming period home listed through Village Real Estate agent Huss Saad on the market at $1.35 million.
Three developers fought once it was on the market. The 870 sqm holding was offered for the first time since its 1954 construction.
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Airlie House, Yarraville sets record ahead of twin tunnel announcement

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The Leisure &amp; Allied Industries founder Malcolm Steinberg and wife Frances have their Mosman Park riverfront listed in Perth.
The couple have owned the property for two decades paying $2.85 million in 1996 before setting about transforming the home with walls of glass, terraces and gardens designed to enhance the river aspect.
Set on a 1475 sqm cliff-side parcel, the lower level of the five bedroom house features a billiard room, gym, sauna and pool.
It's been listed through William Porteous Properties International agent William Porteous who has a $12 million asking price.
Malcolm Steinberg founded the LAI Group in 1958 and remained the CEO until 2013 and is now non-executive chairman.
This article was first published in the Weekend Australian Mansion Australia property section.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Mosman Park riverfront trophy home offering

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The Australian test cricketer David Warner has made the most of the auction off-season with the $800,000 sale of his Matraville investment apartment.
It was a pre-auction sale for the <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-nsw-matraville-120368809" target="_blank">two-bedroom, two-bathroom Bunnerong Road apartment</a> which cost $685,000 in 2014 when the off plan purchase was settled on construction completion.
The former Matraville Public School student is realigning property assets ahead of building in Maroubra on an oceanfront reserve block bought last year for $3.9 million.
He still retains another apartment in the Matraville complex. 
David Warner and wife Candice sold their home in South Coogee earlier this year for $7.05 million.
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Cricketer David Warner sells Matraville investment apartment

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A heritage style Attadale house in Western Australian has been sold for $4.1 million.
The heritage style house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-attadale-121755322" target="_blank">11 Moreing Road</a> sold for $4.1 million through Caporn Young Estate agents Stefanie Dobro and Michael Harries. 
The 974 square metre, three-storey home has a Colonial-style veranda, a self-contained apartment on the lower ground floor and an alfresco balcony. 
Previously traded for $980,000 in 2004, the house has five bedrooms, four bathrooms, an eight-car garage and a laundry chute. 
The median price for a house in Attadale is $1,025,000 according to CoreLogic RP Data.  
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Heritage style Attadale house sold for $4.1 million

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A Bicton riverfront home has fetched $3.275 million.
Last traded for $50,500 in 1992, the three bedroom home was listed as boasting a "Sydney-style environment" by Young and Company Applecross selling agent Gary Young.
Set on 764 sqm, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-bicton-121824610" target="_blank">60 Blackwall Reach Parade</a> is made from solid brick, tile and concrete and has a home office.
The median price for a house in Bicton is $930,000, according to CoreLogic RP Data.
 
 
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Riverfront property in Bicton sold for $3.2 million

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<div>A renovated historical church in Narrawong, Victoria has been sold.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The converted church at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-narrawong-121921206" target="_blank">45 Windham Street</a> is located near the sea on the Victorian south coast. </div>
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<div>The historic property features its original polished Baltic pine, period details and cathedral ceilings. </div>
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<div>The 16 square metre building sits on half an acre of land, only 15 minutes from the boat ramps in Portland.</div>
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<div>The house which now has three bedrooms and two bathrooms was last sold as a former church in 1993.</div>
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Renovated historical church in Narrawong, Victoria sold

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<div>A resort-like home in Taren Point has been sold.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The 594 square metre house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-taren+point-107819886" target="_blank">122 Holt Road</a> sold last month without any price disclosure. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>The four-bedroom, three-bathroom contemporary house has its own private Japanese-inspired garden.</div>
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<div>It last sold for $1.625 million in 2011.  </div>
<div> </div>
<div>The property was listed by Barbora Marcinkova and Jonathan Wang at Black Diamondz Property Concierge. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>The median house price in Taren Point is $1.68 million according to CoreLogic RP Data.</div>
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