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

Rural

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Historic Pimm's Hutt, originally part of Wee Jasper Station, has been sold for $537,000 some two years after its listing.
The 1,917 hectare holding, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-lifestyle-nsw-wee+jasper-7319248" target="_blank">listed through Luton Properties</a>, on the Micalong Creek comes with log cabin and small two bedroom house.
The property is currently rated at 400 DSE (40 cattle) or more with improvements to pasture. There is about 200 hectares of cleared land with land rates $1,000 annually.
Timber harvesting income under Forestry permit is an income option with quality timber comprising, Yellow Box, Messmate, Mountain Ash and Stringybark.
It is 15 minutes from Wee Jasper Village.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Historic Pimm's Hutt at Wee Jasper, NSW sells

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Champion trainer Brian Hancock has relisted his Calderwood harness racing property Teeny Lodge for auction this weekend.
The 22-hectare property at <a href="https://teenylodgeforsale.com.au" target="_blank">582 Calderwood Road property</a> has been listed with Starr Partners Windsor and W. M. Carpenter &amp; Associates Bowral.
It has stabling for 35 horses, day yards, 12 paddocks, staff quarters, office and 700 metre training track at the base of the escarpment close to Albion Park.
With Brian Hancock retiring from the racing industry, the property will be on the market for the first time in 40 years, <a href="/news/harness-racing-legend-brian-hancocks-teeny-lodge-listed">although listed in June last year</a>.
It has been marketed as a wonderful nursery for the breeding and training of Australia’s honour roll of trotting.
An impressive five Inter Dominions wins has entered Teeny Lodge into racing folklore with winners such as; Koala King, Thorate, Weona Warrior and the legendary Our Sir Vancelot, winning three times.
It was named after Hancock’s first champion pacer, Teeny Rena.
The holding can now be further developed pending council approval, due to its status as General Rural in the Wollongong district.
It goes to <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-other-nsw-albion+park-7682815" target="_blank">Sunday onsite auction.</a>
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Retired harness racing legend Brian Hancock relists Teeny Lodge

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The 47,000 hectare NSW Riverina farming aggregation owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been listed for sale with estimates of between $100 million and $120 million.
US-based Westchester Group (owned by American financial services giant TIAA-CREF), Auscott (owned by J. G. Boswell Co of California) and the Harvard Endowment Fund are reportedly contenders for the four farms, according to the Australian Financial Review.
The Murrumbidgee River/Lachlan Valley freehold aggregation include Kooba Station at Darlington Point, Bringagee and Benerembah stations at ­Carrathool, and Booberoi near Euabalong.
Kooba Station, between Narrandera and Hay, was first settled by Europeans after explorer Charles Sturt charted the Murrumbidgee in 1830.
Records show that in 1837 it was held by John Peter as Cuba Station, covering 153,000 acres (62,000 hectares).
Cuba was sold to John Tooth in 1861. In 1879, it was transferred to the McGaw family and renamed Kooba. In 1926 the McGaws sold to F. W. Hughes, a noted pastoralist. In 1959 the properties were purchased by one of Adelaide's oldest and wealthiest wool broking family companies, G. H. Michell &amp; Sons Pty Ltd.
AgReserves Australia bought the four properties, which grow wheat, corn, beans and other crops, in 1997 for about $70 million from the South Australian family business G. H. Michell &amp; Sons through Wesfarmers Dalgety agent Kerry O'Connell.
At the time the diverse agribusiness ran 30,000 sheep and 13,000 cattle and was the nation's biggest maize and sweetcorn producer. Founded in 1830, it was the first Australian rural purchase by the Utah-based Church which owns an enormous portfolio of farming properties across the United States, Canada, England, Argentina and Mexico through various corporations.
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Mormons list NSW Riverina farm

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Melbourne stockbroker Steve Gillon has listed his Victorian rural holding at Merton-Mansfield for auction with expectations of more than $1.2 million.
The 75-hectare Rosevale is an elegant country retreat with a productive beef cattle farm and stud. 
Gillon, and his wife Di have held it for 35 years.
Located in northeast Victoria, Rosevale is 8 kilometres from Lake Eildon, an hour from the snowfields of Mount Buller and two hours from Melbourne. 
It has a stock holding capacity of 400 head of cattle and is a full blood Wagyu cattle operation with associated sheds, cattle yards and storage. There are nine spring fed dams and a new electric bore that that feeds a holding tank for the stock and residence.
The Rosevale homestead is a graceful trophy home with sympathetic extensions built by local craftsmen. It has five bedrooms, two bathrooms, an office and large formal and informal living rooms. A large fireplace is built from antique Hawthorn bricks. 
Listing agent Matt Childs from <a href="https://www.prh.com.au/listing?listing_id=1515" target="_blank">Pat Rice &amp; Hawkins</a> says the estate is likely to attract lifestylers given its productive pastures and the nature of Rosevale as classic rural retreat. 
It will be auctioned on site on November 8.
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andreadixon-oif3j7eKne

Rosevale, Mansfield district farm listed

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The historic 1886 homestead Glen Alpine near Tamworth has burnt down two days before its sale settlement.
But the $4.5 million sale of the heritage-listed John Horbury Hunt-designed home on 1335-hectares is likely continue to conclusion.
The buyer, landscaper-builder Antony Tisch and his wife Wendy, had already bought out some of the neighbours to increase their land holding.
Rural crime investigator Detective Senior Constable Scott Kellahan said police at Werris Creek noticed the blaze just after midnight on Wednesday.
Court proceedings to determine what insurance is payable to either party is expected.
Property Observer wrote in March this year that <a href="https://propertyobserver.com.au/finding/location/rural/29150-glen-alpine-the-horbury-hunt-designed-mansion-listed" target="_blank">much of the Glen Alpine mansion had undergone extensive renovation</a> retaining beautiful period features within its hallways, reception rooms, bedrooms and bathrooms. However, the servery wing and billiard/ballroom require restoration and awaited any new owners' interpretation.
It had been listed with a $5.9 million asking price.
Fairfax Media and <a href="https://www.nbnnews.com.au/index.php/2014/10/08/historic-homestead-destroyed-by-fire/" target="_blank">NBN Nine News</a> reported the fire was suspicious.
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Historic John Horbury Hunt residence, Glen Alpine burns down

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The historic Kameruka dairy estate in the Bega Valley in southern NSW has been listed for sale.
Its ­English owners are seeking $11 million plus for the 1348 hectare property near Bega.
The offering comes with a smaller ­405-hectare holding called Staplehurst.
Cheese was first produced at <a href="https://www.meares.com.au/property/kameruka-staplehurst/gallery/kameruka-staplehurst.htm" target="_blank">Kameruka</a> in 1854.
Chris Meares of Meares &amp;­ Associates, who secured its 2008 sale, has the listing which includes the 1845 homestead, its own English parkland-style village, cricket ground and golf course.
British shipping magnate Giles Pritchard-Gordon and his wife, Lou, acquired the property for about ­$9 million in 2007 from Frank Foster, a descendent of brewery baron Robert Tooth, whose family that had owned Kameruka for 150 years.
Since Mr Pritchard-Gordon, whose interests spanned farms and horse-breeding in Britain, the USA and Australia, died in late 2011, the estate has been run by his widow and her four daughters.
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Bega Valley dairy estate listed by British owners

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Banoon, a 385-hectare property near Woodend, an hour northwest of Melbourne, will go to October 31 auction as part of the Nathan Tinkler disposal.
Nathan Tinkler paid $3.63 million for <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/120-joyces-road-monegeetta/Property-Details-buy-residential-7669580" target="_blank">Banoon</a> in 2008.
The 120 Joyces Road, Monegeeta property is being marketed by Keatings Real Estate as an "excellent opportunity to secure a rarely available large inner country very versatile lifestyle property."
At the end of its mature oak tree entrance driveway, there is a rambling five bedroom 1910 weatherboard homestead. The property has Deep Creek frontage.
Its farming Zone (FZ1) come with subdivision potential into minimum lot sizes of 40ha (100Acres) subject to council permit.
There were ambitious $5 million hopes for the property on its 2010 listing.
Estate agent John Keating told the Australian Financial Review he expects that it will probably sell in the vicinity of $2.1 million to $2.3 million.
 
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Banoon, Nathan Tinkler's Monegeeta property, up for October 31 auction

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Joanna Baillieu has sold her historic Bromelton House homestead at Beaudesert in south-east Queensland.
The buyer, Stewart Murray, and his wife Kathy Lau, secured the ­135-hectare property with the Australian Financial Review speculating the price was $4 million plus.
The couple will turn the farm into a cattle genetics operation with Mr Murray, who is a veterinarian, planing to breed the Canadian pure breed, the Hays Converter. 
Bromelton House sits within two hectares of landscaped gardens, formed around a native bean tree that is well over 100 years old.
Baillieu <a href="/news/joanna-baillieu-lists-rural-queensland-holding-at-beaudesert">purchased the property in 2001 at $2.1 million</a>.
Raine &amp; Horne Rural agent Danny Bukowski secured the sale some three years after its initial listing.
Joanna Baillieu, a member of the Melbourne establishment family, had initial expectations of more than $5 million.
The Beaudesert property has a four-bedroom home with two bathrooms and all bedrooms have French doors leading onto verandas with views over a 150-megalitre lagoon which has a water harvesting licence from the Logan River.
The farming property currently earns income from a 2,880 plantation of pecan trees, turf production, lucerne hay production and horse agistment centre.
The property also includes a six-hectare irrigated polo field.
The property includes 28 horse paddocks, 28 day yards, a sand arena, a breaking yard, an eight-horse walker and a barn with eight stables.
The Bromelton House Road property also includes a three-bedroom manager’s house and a two-bedroom worker’s cottage.
 
 
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Beaudesert's Joanna Baillieu sells Bromelton House 

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Nathan Tinkler’s 447-hectare Patinack Farm property in Beaudesert, Queensland has been listed for October 23 auction through LJ Hooker Surfers Paradise agent Cameron McPhie.
<a href="https://surfersparadise.ljhooker.com.au/33JHBY" target="_blank">The property</a> will be available in four portions, comprising Wadham Park, Elysium Fields, Sarahvale and Benoble.
The reported expectation ranged is from $18 million to $23 million in total. It comes with homestead plus 14 cottages.
Its carrying capacity is currently 400 Broodmares with 300 progeny and Stallions with scope to develop the carrying capacity to 2,500 horses.
Just a week later Tinkler’s two prized Hunter Valley farms, the 1338-hectare thoroughbred farm Richmond Grove in Sandy Hollow, and the 1398-hectare Tremayne mixed-use rural property in Broke, through Chris Meares of Meares &amp; Associates. 
Shelly Jurd of Jurd’s Real Estate is co-selling agent on the Tremayne farm. 
More than 500 breeding and racing thoroughbreds will be offered for sale in the meantime.
A reputed $130 million sale of the Patinack portfolio to Middle Eastern firm Cibola Capital in May did not proceed.
 
 
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Beaudesert up first as Nathan Tinkler's farms set for October auction

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Living regionally isn’t something that every first time buyer is able to accomplish. There are, of course, some things tying people to the capital cities across Australia.
In saying that, for those willing or able to take the plunge into regional property ownership, there are a number of opportunities further out of the city centres that come with a cheaper price tag, or higher rental yields if you’re intending to invest.
Often, when growth has surged in the capitals, regional areas are yet to catch up. This can provide opportunities for those who just saw their desired property soar past them in value.
There are also regional relocation grants potentially on offer. For instance, in New South Wales, a <a href="https://www.osr.nsw.gov.au/grants/rrg/hrb" target="_blank">$7,000 has been available for some time</a> (this closes on 30th September), provided certain criteria are met, And there are often grants for skilled workers willing to relocate to a regional area.
We’ve outlined a select few of the numerous pros and cons that exist to choosing a regional location to live in for first home buyers and new investors.
What’s worth a note is that, for this particular article, ‘mining towns’ are not considered ‘regional towns’ – even while many of them are regionally located. Due to their riskier nature, <a href="/expert-insights/buying">observer Pete Wargent has called them “insane” as an investment</a>. For those still keen on the idea, then you might want to read <a href="/expert-insights/buying/five-tips-to-make-the-right-moves-investing-in-a-mining-town-simon-pressley">Simon Pressley’s five tips for making the process a bit more successful</a>.
Resort or <a href="/expert-insights/investing/regional-towns-a-budget-property-investment-option-but-avoid-one-industry-mining-towns-monique-sasson-wakelin">tourist towns are also potentially under this banner of being ‘unusual’ regional areas</a> that offer one major driver and little protection if that industry should drop.
Here are the pros and cons to start thinking about.
For home buyers:
PROS
<ul>
<li>Cheaper entry points 
</li>
<li>“Tree change” lifestyle 
</li>
<li>Extra government incentives may be available</li>
</ul>
CONS
<ul>
<li>Volatility (due to smaller populations, and single industry towns can suffer quick downturns) 
</li>
<li>Infrastructure and loss of busy city lifestyle doesn’t suit everyone 
</li>
<li>Getting employment can be tricky</li>
</ul>
For investors:
PROS
<ul>
<li>Cheaper entry points 
</li>
<li>Often higher yields 
</li>
<li>For those with investments or a home in a city, it can offer some diversification for the portfolio 
</li>
<li>May be less competition to purchase in</li>
</ul>
 CONS
<ul>
<li>Volatility (due to smaller populations, and single industry towns can suffer quick downturns) 
</li>
<li>Can be a smaller tenant pool 
</li>
<li>Decent property management in some areas can be a challenge 
</li>
<li>Infrastructure isn’t always as forthcoming 
</li>
<li>The same supply restrictions seen in many capitals are not as evident 
</li>
<li>Can be hard to renovate/repair a property yourself if it’s not located near you 
</li>
<li>The same lack of competition when buying in may mean that it takes longer to sell</li>
</ul>
Regardless of whether you’re buying solely as a home, or as an investment, it’s worthwhile considering market fluctuations and the volatility of some areas – particularly smaller markets.
Angus Raine, from Raine &amp; Horne, previously provided these three things to look out for when purchasing in a regional area:
<ol start="1">
<li>Robust economies 
</li>
<li>Strong employment prospects 
</li>
<li>Population growth</li>
</ol>
With these points in mind, it’s worth noting that many first time buyers have been taking the plunge into regional properties.
See over page for Q&amp;As with two home buyers who have done the regional shift
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
 
It’s all well and good talking about moving regionally – but who's actually done it?
Here are two examples of young first time buyers who have purchased regional property.
These New South Wales based home buyers all moved to an "<a href="https://www.evocities.com.au/" target="_blank">Evocity"</a>, a joint initiative between the state's regional cities: Albury, Armidale, Bathurst, Dubbo, Orange, Tamworth and Wagga Wagga.
Name: Matilda Julian
Age: 29
Employment: Self-employed solicitor
Salary: $50,000 - $60,000 per annum
<img src="/images/2014/09/24/IMG_20130512_165033.jpg" alt="">
House, Geurie, Dubbo, NSW
Year purchased: 2009
Number of bedrooms, bathrooms, garaging and any other descriptor details: 2 bedrooms, garage
Cost: $250,000
Deposit:  $50,000 deposit
Why did you choose to buy in a regional area?
I relocated from Sydney to Dubbo after I graduated from University to start my career. I had also saved up some money and could afford to buy a beautiful house out here on my own.
Why did you want to buy here?
I have always been very a homely person, so I like to do things around the house like gardening and raising chickens. Therefore I wanted a property I could invest in for the long term, and within 6 months of moving to Dubbo I bought my own home.
Have you lived in a regional area before?
I grew up in Bilpin in the Blue Mountains, so I was used to open spaces.
How have you found living in the area?
I have found that community networking is strong in regional areas. In times when I have been out of work, my strong community contacts have allowed me to easily and quickly find employment. Due of the low cost of living and renting commercial areas, it is also (and in my experience) extremely viable to start small businesses in regional areas, without the risk associated in more metropolitan areas like Sydney.
How did you hear about the area and properties?
The local paper has a Domain section each week. I was browsing the section and saw the picture of the house I bought and still live in - It was something like love at first sight!
Has this been a significant lifestyle shift for you?
Yes, I now live on three acres of land, with space to have a dog, chooks and a vegetable garden. When I lived in Ashfield I didn’t know my neighbours and I couldn’t mentally bring myself to maintain the garden because of limited time I had and I didn’t know how long I would live there.
How long do you see yourself living here for?
I could stay here and be happy. I am open to moving, but now it would have to be for a significant reason, such as falling in love. But the idea of never moving again is a nice one.
 
Name: Marilyn and Tim Stebbings
Age: 34 and 39
Employment: self-employed, Corporate debt recovery consultant and event manager
Salary: $55,000
<img src="/images/2014/09/24/House%20front.jpg" alt="">
House, 1,667sqm block, East Tamworth, NSW
Year purchased: 2012
Number of bedrooms, bathrooms, garaging and any other descriptor details: Amazing views, 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 care spaces, huge lounge room with views all over town, renovated kitchen, renovated bathroom, large laundry with sewing area, polished timber floors, fire place, ducted reverse cycle, beautiful pool, full size tennis court, double car accommodation, work shop and loads of storage.
Cost: $450,000
Deposit: $200,000
Why did you choose to buy in a regional area?
I had lived in Sydney for 10 years and there was no way Tim and I could afford to buy in the suburbs we wanted with the house size we needed to accommodate our two young children. So we decided to look outside of Sydney to enter the property market and to better manage our work/life responsibilities.
Once Tim secured a position with Tamworth’s local Motor Group, we made the decision to move to Tamworth, and were surprised to find that within only a few months we have been able to purchase a house and our cost of living has reduced.
Why did you want to buy in Tamworth?
First of all, Tamworth is a beautiful area to raise and grow a family. Also, we wanted a house and backyard with plenty of space for our kids and their friends to play and enjoy themselves. We really wanted our house to be a self-contained entertainment centre with a swimming pool, tennis court and space to run around so they could stay at home more and we could enjoy time as a family.
Have you lived in a regional area before?
I have always lived in capital cities. I was raised in Perth and moved to Sydney when I got older. So making to transition to Tamworth was a little bit of an adjustment for me. But Tim on the other hand grew up in a similar sized city in New Zealand, so he made the change very easily.
A common view of regional areas is that they do not have many employment opportunities, or leisure options. What has been your experience of this?
I do not agree with this. There are plenty of job opportunities in a very large range of industries in Tamworth, especially as the city grows more. I have also noticed there is a lot of potential for people to start businesses and be hugely successful too.    
How did you hear about the area and properties?
Tim and I love to scan realestate.com.au from time to time and we happened to stumble across our current house. At first we weren’t too keen on it from the images we saw. But we decided to take a walk through of the house anyway and ended up buying the house!
Has this been a significant lifestyle shift for you?
Yes, having the husband home more and being able to work my life around the kids instead of them work around mine. It has also been great to expose the kids to some unique experiences like milking dairy cows, something they probably won’t have done if they lived in Sydney.
How long do you see yourself living here for?
To start off we were committed to staying in Tamworth for 2 to 5 years. However, the longer we stayed here, the more friends we made and the more we got involved with the community we actually increased our commitment to 15+ years. So really a long-term plan to live here.
Read over the page for their five steps to a successful regional relocation
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
Home buyers looking for regional options will find themselves easily catered for, even if currently looking in the capital cities. With state and territory government pushes on to get skilled workers moving to regional areas, regular expos and events are held to help people move further out. For instance, the <a href="https://www.goodmove.vic.gov.au/" target="_blank">Regional Victoria Living Expo </a>that is held each year from Good Move, a government initiative, showcases all the different regions. 
They have five steps they suggest for a successful regional relocation:
<ol>
<li>
DO YOUR HOMEWORK Think about what you’re looking for and what you would like around your new home. Whether it’s schools, housing, certain kinds of employment, health care, access to public transport, access to Melbourne – there’s bound to be a place that ticks all the boxes for you. Think about your spouse’s employment needs and how they can be met too. 
</li>
<li>
VISIT BEFORE YOU DECIDE There’s no substitute for spending time in an area. Get to know some of the locals. Ask them about the area – what’s good and not so good. Talk to real estate agents, school principals, hospital administrators, business owners and local Council staff. Explore the different kinds of lifestyle – regional city, a small town or hobby farm. 
</li>
<li>
RENT FIRST IF YOU'RE NOT SURE If you’re in any way unsure about your move, rent before you buy. You can spend enough time to get to know an area without committing to a major financial decision. And if you decide this part of regional Victoria is not for you, it’s easier to explore another. 
</li>
<li>
TAP INTO THE COMMUNITY Regional Victorians are a friendly lot, so becoming part of your new community should happen very quickly. Through school, work, sports clubs and service clubs, there are people ready to reach out and make you welcome. So don’t be backward in coming forward. 
</li>
<li>
BE PATIENT It won’t happen in just a day. Give yourself time to build the networks and connections you need to feel at-home. Once you’ve moved, make sure you immerse yourself in exploring the area, particularly on weekends and holidays, rather than living ‘between’ Melbourne and your new home. You’ll be surprised how much there is to see and do in regional Victoria and you’ll feel more at home more quickly.</li>
</ol>
Source: Victorian Government’s Good Move
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