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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Foxlow, the Bungendore farm on the Molonglo River, outside Canberra has been sold today for $15 million.
The single storey 1920s Howard Joseland-designed homestead in landscaped gardens sits on 7500 hectares, 20 minutes from Queanbeyan.
The seven bedroom homestead featured in Some Southern Homes of NSW by G Nesta Griffiths who mentioned that one year the Osborne's horse, Vixen won the Sydney Cup. In her 1976 book she recalled that she stayed there in 1928 remembering the stud of Percherson horses. There is also a converted stone barn designed by architect Cyril Ruwald offering separate self-contained accommodation.
It sold through Ray White Rural agents Terry Brennan and Bruce Gunning with potential residential subdivision prospects, but will be retained as a grazing operation by its Australian buyer, one of the 10 parties who inspected the property.
Already 16 eight hectare blocks had been previously subdivided and sold.
Agents had estimated the carrying capacity of Foxlow as about 30,000 dry sheep equivalents.
The initial pre-auction guidance had been $15 million plus. There was a vendor’s bid at $14.5 million before the one knockdown bid of $15 million.
Brett Falkiner has owned the property since the early 1960s after his grandfather F.B.S Falkiner (the son of F.S. Falkiner) had purchased the property in 1920 as drought relief pasture.
Before the Falkiner's it was the Osborne family, and the before that the Rutledge family.
<img src="/images/2014/05/26/foxlow-may-26-two.jpg" alt="">
John Hosking, the first mayor of Sydney, and had given the property its name, after his wife, Martha Foxlow Terry, daughter of Samuel Terry, in the 1830s.
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John Hosking, whose legacy lives on in the form of Hoskinstown which was named after him, became insolvent in 1843 and much of his property was sold. 
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The Falkiner's history dates back to sheep-farming in Tipperary, Ireland. 
Foxlow was also known for its Red Poll cattle and a Percheron horse breeding operation.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Foxlow at Bungendore fetches $15 million for Falkiner family

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Dunsinea, the 40 hectare Mittagong, Southern Highlands NSW trophy property has been sold for $4.94 million to Robbie Waterhouse, the bookmaker husband of champion horse trainer Gai Waterhouse. The house warming party is being held this weekend.
Property Observer wrote that Dunsinea, which had views over the bushland of the Nepean State Conservation Forest, had been sold for an estimated $4.95 million <a href="/news/gai-and-robbie-waterhouse-tipped-as-dunsinea-mittagong-cattle-farm-buyers">back in late January</a>, a fortnight after its mid-January exchange.  
It was secured unencumbered by any registered mortgage after being given a $5.25 million asking price following its November 2013 auction through Sam Triggs from Meares and Associates and Michael Maloney from Richardson and Wrench Bowral.
It was sold by Mark and Rosie Mitchell who developed the holding from the ground up after returning from the UK in 2002. They first tried to sell in late 2008 with $7 million plus hopes.
Set on the northern fringes of the Southern Highlands, Dunsinea comes with modern ‘rammed earth’ five bedroom sandstone home.
<a href="https://www.randw.com.au/1066175/" target="_blank">Dunsinea</a> is surrounded by 100 acres of rolling grazing land, some 15 kilometres from Bowral.
The house is srrounded by its green and white garden, complete with 10 metre heated pool and all weather tennis court. There is also a guest cottage.
The main residence boasts 300mm - 450mm thick walls and 10 foot high ceilings.
Title Tattle recalls property reporter Margie Blok, after inspecting the home in 2008, noted it had been meticulously built with classic architecture.
"The house has superb proportions, solid sandstone walls, stone verandas and custom-made Georgian-style windows with double glazing. Inside, the rooms have 3.6-metre-high ceilings and polished stone floors, which are heated for winter warmth," she wrote.
The pasture was marketed as ideal for cattle grazing with the property fattening 40 to 50 steers year round. Title Tattle gathers that would translate accomodating around 20 horses, as is.
It had been for sale on and off for several years, even attracting the fleeting attention of the Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and his wife, Therese. 
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Robbie Waterhouse the $4.94 million Dunsinea, Mittagong buyer

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Mary Valley, the Queensland area that saw its Economic Development Strategy launched in July 2012, has seen 48 purchases in the last six weeks and $11.67 million sales over 2014 so far.
Selling properties here has previously been noted as<a href="/news/mary-valley-revival-depends-on-property-sales"> a crucial step for the revival of the Mary Valley area</a>.
In total over 2014, there have been 109 sales in the area, explained Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jeff Seeney. This is 50% faster than 2013.
“We hoped to crack a century of sales in the first five months of this year and we achieved this aim. It’s an impressive record given last year 98 sales were made over the entire year,” Seeney said.
“Our government’s Mary Valley revitalisation strategy has provided an affordable opportunity for Queenslanders to enter the housing market, with 48 of the 109 sales made by existing tenants of the properties.”
The average property price purchase was $248,300. Price ranges vary from a vacant piece of land at $71,000 to $590,000 for a large rural site.
In 2012, 13 properties were sold.
“There has also been strong interest in <a href="https://www.maryvalleyproperty.com/" target="_blank">eight properties that have been heavily discounted</a> as they are being offered with tenants on long-term leases,” Seeney said.
“Selling agent Oliver Hume received 15 expressions of interest in the eight properties within two weeks of their release.”
Among the properties currently listed for sale in the Mary Valley is the 30 acre grazing farm at 3435 Mary Valley Road, <a href="/news">Imbil</a> (pictured above).
<a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/3435-mary-valley-rd-imbil/Property-Details-buy-residential-7062053" target="_blank">The property has been listed</a> for $450,000 plus through Ron Jeffery of Assest Agents.
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jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

Mary Valley property sales see $11 million of transactions this year

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The Danish pension fund Pensionskassernes Administration (PKA) has secured a stake in $60 million worth of Queensland cattle stations.
The stake in around 480,000 hectares, from Blackall to Cunnamulla, is held through the SLM Australia Livestock Fund.
The fund raised $75 million from PKA in 2012 with SLM Partners director Tony Lovell telling the AFR that the SLM fund was still looking to expand.
The market value of the assets managed by PKA across the world was DKK 194 billion (A$38 billion).
The AFR noted SLM Partners kept a low profile as it aggregated its properties.
The Cunnamulla aggregation includes the 43,000ha Padua Park hub purchased for $10 million, sold in part by the Sunshine Coast engineer David Wimhurst. There was also the 49,000 hectare Willacora hub for $9.3 million; the 71,000 hectare Eureka Plains for $7.4 million; the 48,000 hectare Amenda at $11.8 million and the 79,000 hectare Garrawin for $4.3 million.
At Quilpie, SLM put together the 165,000 hectare Colac hub for $6.4 million.
At Blackall it secured the 25,000  hectare Listowel Downs for $11.2 million.
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Danish pension funds take Queensland cattle station stake

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The expatriate Australian billionaire philanthropist Sir Michael Hintze has added the Goondiwindi district property, Boolarwell to his east coast farming portfolio.
The South Tallwood property totalling 7800 hectares cost $9.2 million.
Talwood is 450 kilometres west of Brisbane, between <a href="/news">Goondiwindi</a> and <a href="/news">St George</a>.
Bought from the Turner family, it is a mixed cropping and irrigation farm using precision agriculture technologies.
The grazing farm in the Boonarga district was pioneered by the Gunn family the 1890s.  
It was Sir Michael's first known purchase since last year when <a href="/news/expat-billioniare-sir-michael-hintze-spends-another-3-75-million-on-nsw-rural-empire">he bought</a><a href="/news/expat-billioniare-sir-michael-hintze-spends-another-3-75-million-on-nsw-rural-empire"> a 609 hectare Wee Waa farm</a> in the New England, NSW district. 
But the London-based hedge fund founder who has amassed one of Australia’s fastest-growing farm portfolios, has in recent times appeared to have an elevated interest in Queensland property.
His other recent purchases in Queensland include a $2.35 million acquisition of a 166 hectare sugar cane farm which took his Horseshoe Lagoon holdings to 572 hectares costing $9.3 million.
His Australian freehold acquisitions total around 60,000 hectares since 2007 through his private pension fund, MHPF, which has spent about $135 million on the freehold land along with an estimated $10 million plus on water licence purchases.
Hintze founded CQS Management, a London-based hedge fund with assets of $US11.5 billion, in 1999. The CQS Directional Opportunities Fund has been ranked by Bloomberg at number three on its list of the 100 top-performing hedge funds, returning nearly 36% net of fees last year.
He was raised in Sydney after the family arrived from China as ethnic Russian refugees in 1953. He holds a BSc in Physics and Pure Mathematics and a BEng in Electrical Engineering, both from the University of Sydney. He also holds an MSc in Acoustics from the University of New South Wales, an MBA from Harvard Business School and received a Doctor of Business and an Honoris Causa from the University of New South Wales. 
Prior to beginning his career in finance, he served for three years in the Australian Army as a captain in the Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. The hedge fund chief, who spent 12 years at Goldman Sachs in roles such as head of European emerging markets, left Sydney in 1980 for Salomon Brothers in New York.
In June 2013 he received a knighthood in recognition of his substantial charitable contributions to the arts in the United Kingdom. 
On the weekend's annual Sunday Times Rich List, Sir Michael was given a £1,055 billion net worth, ranked 92nd richest UK resident, up £155 million from 95th place in 2013.
Hintze, whose wealth had been previously estimated by the rival Forbes magazine list  at US$1.6 billion, has said he was not just looking for capital gain from the properties. He says he seeks solid returns on production.
His purchases have been driven by the view that rural land in Australia represents good value in light of the strong global demand for “soft commodities”. 
Hintze's buying spree began when he spent $12.5 million for a Breadalbane, NSW property in July 2007. <a href="https://mhpremiumfarms.com" target="_blank">The Hintze portfolio</a> has been accumulated and managed by Richard Taylor, a director of Growth Farms Australia. 
''I'm not a farmer, but I do the numbers. It's got to make money,'' Hintze once said.
More recently he noted: “I wish the dollar were lower as it would be easier in farming.”
He added Australia was expensive even for dining.
“The days when there was an arbitrage in saying, ‘Don’t worry I’ll buy you a meal when I come to Australia and you buy me one when you come to London.’ It’s gone the other way around,” Hintze quipped.
In March this year Queensland's Valuer-General released 1 October 2013 annual land valuations for properties in the Goondiwindi Regional Council local government area.
They showed Goondiwindi Regional Council area's land values had decreased by 10.5% overall since the last valuation issued in 2012.
"Generally the market for primary production land throughout the local authority has shown a decline, with sales showing large reductions in values primarily throughout the Brigalow Belt and the Traprock country.
"The exception to this trend is the coolibah country associated with the Macintyre and Weir Rivers, the irrigation country along the Macintyre Brook and Dumaresq River, the red soil box country at Talwood and the mixed farming country in the Inglewood district where there has been no change in unimproved value levels."
Feature photo: Stock.
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Expat Rich List billionaire Michael Hintze buys $9.4 million Gooniwindi farm

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Stannix Park, one of 20 colonial stone farmhouses in the Hawkesbury Valley, remains for sale after its weekend auction.
Selena Mazuran, from the FBI Fashion College, is seeking offers over $2.2 million for her <a href="/news/selena-mazuran-of-fbi-fashion-college-lists-stannix-park-hawkesbury-valley-colonial-farmhouse">colonial stone farmhouse at Wilberforce</a>.
The convict-era homestead dates back to the pioneer settler William Hall and his wife, Dinah, who got a 1839 land grant.
Selena Mazuran bought it in 2009 for $1.225 million, then adding 2,300 square metres of adjoining land in 2012.
The 20-hectare lot on plains between Currency and Howes creeks, now comes with pool, separate studio and stables, and chapel at <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.bresicwhitney.com.au/#!/buy/8940" target="_blank">103 Stannix Park Lane</a>.
It was listed for weekend auction with $2.2 million plus hopes through BresicWhitney agent Walter Burfitt-Williams who passed it in on a $2.2 million vendor bid.
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Colonial Wilberforce farmhouse Stannix Park remains listed

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The historic Mount Macedon estate, Alton was passed in on a $5 million vendor bid at its weekend auction.
The property known for its botanic gardens, was offered by vendors mining executive Eduard Eshuys and his wife, Marjorie who restored its 1870s-built Venetian Gothic house.
Gardens make up four hectares of<a href="https://www.alton-mountmacedon.com" target="_blank"> the 10.5-hectare holding</a>.
It also has a small farm and an 1870s-built Venetian Gothic home, known as the gingerbread house.
Established by Sir George Verdon, at various times Victoria’s treasurer and Agent General, it was subsequently owned by Judge Hood and then by George Nicholas, the co-founder of ASPRO, this property has been always been prominent in the minds of Victorians.
The Eshuys' bought the estate in 1997 from Coles Myer-owned ­company Silver Meadows.
Its listing agent Jock Langley of Abercromby, who had the property in conjunction with Lindsay Hill Real Estate, Mount Macedon, had been issuing price guidance that other sales in the area had averaged about $380,000 per acre.
The property at 239 Alton Road, Mount Macedon, Alton was marketed as among the finest hill station estates. The hill stations concept comes from are high-altitude towns in India used, especially by European colonialists, as a place of refuge from the summer heat.
The garden includes 24 National Trust recognised trees.
The road's last sale was $3.25 million when the seven hectare estate, the 1870s <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-mount+macedon-112416011" target="_blank">Duncraggan</a> sold last June.
The highest sale for the district was when Fosters brewery group secured $8.17 million in 2005 when the Gribbles Group director, Wallace Cameron bought the 8.8 hectare Sefton estate at Mount Macedon.
Built by <a href="https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/baillieu-william-lawrence-willie-5099" target="_blank">William (Willie) Lawrence Baillieu as a summer retreat early in the century</a>, the property included a nine-tee golf course, tennis court and croquet lawn.
It was offered at $12 million without success in 2010. 
It has an <a href="https://www.slv.vic.gov.au/pictoria/gid/slv-pic-aab45596" target="_blank">English garden</a> influenced by noted Royal Botanic Gardens directors Baron von Mueller and W. R. Guilfoyle.
<a href="https://www.fionabarkerdesign.com.au/folio/residential/sefton/" target="_blank">The Sefton interiors were done by Fiona Barker Design</a>.
Mount Macedon's first $1 million plus acreage sold in the late 1980s.
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Alton, 1870s Mount Macedon garden estate passed in

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Retailer, developers and owner occupiers are tipped to line up for the sale of a large retail super site in Melbourne's surf coast town of Torquay, which expected to sell for more than $8 million plus. 
Located on Surf Coast Highway, the super site forms Stage 3 of the West Coast Business Park in Torquay.
It is anchored by Bunnings Warehouse, with the retail component complemented by 43 commercial and industrial lots.
Colliers International’s Tom Noonan and Andrew Lewis, in conjunction with DTZ Australia’s Nicholas Bourke and Patrick O’Callaghan, have been appointed to sell a 4.9 hectare property.
<img src="/images/2014/05/07/3.jpg" alt="">
Shell Coles Express and a car wash are pre-committed to the development and will take about 5,600 square metres at the southern end of the site.
“Having two pre-sales contracts to both Shell Coles Express and the car wash provide the eventual purchaser with certainty of income once the construction commences as well as providing a strong anchor for this final stage,” Mr Noonan said.
The development sits opposite the site of the new $26.5 million Torquay Secondary School and $44 million Surf Coast Civic &amp; Community Centre.
Recent sales in the area included the sale of a Bunnings Warehouse on Beacon Boulevard in Torquay for $11.2million, while Coles snapped up the Torquay Central Shopping Centre at 41 Bristol Road for $14 million.
Expressions of interest close June 12. 
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Torquay retail super site expected to fetch $8 million plus

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Bendigo and Adelaide Bank has agreed to purchase the business and assets of Victoria’s Rural Finance for $1.78 billion as its shares went into a trading halt ahead of a capital raising.
The purchase of Rural Finance Corporation of Victoria was formalised today with the Victorian state government.
Its loan book has an estimated value of approximately $1.695 billion, at the proposed completion date of July 2014.
The acquisition is subject to APRA approval.
The Victorian government, which will release its state budget tomorrow, will receive a net return of around $400 million in the deal. According to Treasurer Michael O’Brien, the proceeds of the sale will be earmarked for productive infrastructure investments in rural and regional Victoria. The decision to sell the Rural Finance Corporation was influenced by the introduction of financial incentives through the Commonwealth asset recycling scheme.
 “The Commonwealth’s financial incentives for the recycling of state assets into productive new infrastructure will further support our record infrastructure investment program,” said O’Brien.
 “We welcome the Commonwealth government’s asset recycling initiative, which has been an influential factor in the decision of the Victorian Coalition government to divest RFC.”
The bank has a presence in 11 locations across Victoria. The new deal will also give Rural Finance Corporation customers access to the bank’s 276 branches state wide.
“Rural Finance will work together with our existing specialist agricultural business, Rural Bank, to serve more than 5,200 farmers across Victoria – with a loan book in excess of $2.4 billion,” Bendigo and Adelaide Bank managing director Mike Hirst said.
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Bendigo and Adelaide Bank purchasing Victoria’s Rural Finance Corporation for $1.78 billion

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Eling Forest Vineyard, the Southern Highlands of NSW boutique winery, has been sold.
Located just west of Sutton Forest village, the 73 hectare property has been bought by the Wang family for $5.8 million.
<a href="https://www.andrewhearn.com.au/listings/rural_sale-93411-sutton-forest/" target="_blank">It had been listed</a> by interests associated with Warwick Wainberg through Andrew Hearn at the Berrima based Andrew Hearn Real Estate.
The buyers were Wei Guo Wang, Wei Min Wang, Chen Yang Wang and Pei Hong Cao.
It last traded in 2005 at $600,000.
It highlights the Southern Highlands stature as one of Australia's most exciting new wine regions, though still not a patch on the Hunter Valley which has been attracting strong Chinese buying interest in recent years.
The Southern Highlands' first wine producer in recent times was Kim Mogine at Joadja in 1983. There were about 50 vineyards in the region by 2000 that spanned 145 hectares within Australia's newest wine region better known for its tulips.
Cool climate vineyards were first planted at Joadja Creek in the 1870s, supplying Sydney with table grapes.
Established in 1990, Eling Forest was the second modern winery to be established in the cool climate area, with its first wines produced in 1993. 
Its first vines were planted by Leslie Fritz, who was then 80, and came from a long line of winemakers in Hungary. The then 157 hectare holding had cost $1.9 million in 1989.
The grapes are handpicked and vines hand pruned in the traditional manner at the Hume Highway property, with the wine fermented in stainless steel vats, then aged in American and French oak barrels. 
<a href="https://www.elingforest.com.au/cafe-a-cellar-door/gallery" target="_blank">About 120,000 bottles are currently produced plus "Apple Thief" ciders.</a>
The cool climate vineyard produces white and red wine varieties and blends sold through is cellar door which is open seven days a week.
There is an 1840 colonial homestead - restored in 2005 during the ownership of Ron Fryer - and other living quarters that provides accommodation in picturesque gardens tendered to at one point by Clause Crowe. 
It comes with function centre that caters for up to 200.
The former boxer Fortunato "Lucky" Gattellari and his brother Frank briefly bought into Eling Forest Winery, initially securing a small stake around 2003. Their venture, which soon soured, <a href="https://articles.chicagotribune.com/2003-01-22/entertainment/0301220080_1_winemaking-wine-bottle-australian" target="_blank">attracted international media interest</a>.
Other major vineyards in the highlands include the Centennial Vineyards at Bowral, established by the co-founders of Cellarmasters, John Piven Large and his partner, Mark Dowling.
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