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

Tasmania

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Zeehan is the cheapest location in Tasmania to purchase a house, according to Investar’s recent market report.
The property investment firm says that the median housing price at Zeehan is $78,000.
This is followed by Queenstown at $89,000 and Rosebery at $94,000.
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Suburb
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Bedrooms
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Median listing price
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Zeehan
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
3
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$78,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Queenstown
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
3
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$89,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Rosebery
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
3
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$94,0000
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
An example would be a three bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-tas-zeehan-123057818">5 Federation Court</a> (above) that is for sale for $78,000.
Similarly a three bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-tas-zeehan-118622515">1 King Street</a> (below) is for sale for $80,000.
<img src="/images/2016/10/22/1%20King%20Street.jpg" alt="">
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Zeehan takes top spot as cheapest suburb in Tasmania to purchase a house: Investar

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Virgin Australia co-founder Rob Sherrard has listed Lake House at Cressy in Tasmania, one of Australia's most iconic Georgian farming homes.
The colonial property on 490 hectares in Cressy, 35 kilometres south-west of Launceston, was built in 1830 by London shipowner Robert Corney.
Inspired by British architect Sir John Soane, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-tas-cressy-124197846">the stately three storey residence overlooking the Macquarie River</a> has eight bedrooms, eight bathrooms and a number of appointed reception rooms of Georgian proportions.
Some $500,000 plus was conservatively expected to be needed to renovate the home when Sherrard bought it for $4,805,000 in 2004 after 50 years ownership by the Wall family.
Two renovated farm houses, stables, coach house and gardner's cottage make up the gardens that are well suited for cropping and fattening land. 
There are $15 million expectations through Unique Estates agent Dominic Romeo.
Soon after the house was finished, Corney drowned in one of the rivers with his widow in residence until the 1860s. 
It is listed with Nicolette van Wijngaarden and Dominic Romeo at Unique Estates.
This article was first published in the Weekend Australian Mansion Australia property section.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Lake House, Cressy listed by Virgin Australia co-founder

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Tasmania is a fine example of the adage that it’s easy to get a bad reputation but very hard to lose it. 
The days of Tasmania being the basket case economy of Australia are gone, as are the days when investors steered clear of Hobart as a place offering no growth.
I’ve been advocating the merits of investing in Hobart for the past 18 months or so, based on the marked improvement in the state economy and the status of Hobart as the capital city with the lowest prices, tightest vacancies and highest rental yields.
Hotspotting’s regular research into sales activity has noted the rise in sales volumes in Hobart (and also in Launceston and Devonport) this year.
I’ve felt a bit like a voice in the wilderness, given that Hobart and Tasmania is a pretty hard sell. It’s very hard to shift entrenched attitudes, particularly as your average punter isn’t terribly well informed.
So how refreshing to see the latest research-based report from Simon Pressley of Propertyology. 
He says: “Hobart is Propertyology’s tip to be Australia’s best-performed capital city property market in 2017."
“An under-rated economy, limited properties for sale, the tightest vacancy rates in Australia, a more controlled housing supply pipeline than mainland cities, and increased buyer activity are expected to drive property prices and rents higher.
“We have been actively investing in Hobart for a while and our buyer’s agents have observed first-hand price growth of 8 to 10 per cent over the past 12 months. We can only see buyer activity further intensifying and forcing stronger growth over the next couple of years.”
And Pressley makes this forecast for next year: “On an all-things-being-equal basis, double-digit price growth is well and truly on the cards for Hobart in 2017.”
He says the significant retraction in properties listed for sale has made it increasingly difficult for our buyer’s agents to find suitable properties for investors. “Properties are generally selling within a week of listing and often going for prices well above our own appraisal range. The market is red hot.”
All this is happening on the back of improving economic performance. There is now a long list of reports from name brands which have noted the improvement in the underlying fundamentals.
The latest to confirm that view is CommSec’s State of the States report, which notes Tasmania’s population growth is the fastest in five years and the state no longer ranks last overall. 
“Tasmania has improved from 8th to 7th on the rankings,” it says. “Tasmania is 4th ranked on two indicators and 5th on three indicators. Annual growth on home lending is the strongest in the nation at 10.3%. Both home loans and home prices are lifting.”
State Treasurer Peter Gutwein says the report card is the best in five years. “But there is still a long way to go,” he says. He’s right, but a significant turnaround has been achieved already.
Another positive indicator for Tasmania is the level of infrastructure and construction work. The Deloitte Access Economics Investment Monitor report says: “The value of Tasmanian engineering projects under way has stayed well above $1 billion and there’s just under $1 billion worth of planned projects in the pipeline.”
The biggest under way is the $535 million Midland Hwy update. Work worth $239 million is ongoing on the freight rail revitalisation statewide and there is a $40 million extension of the Hobart Airport runway. The report says commercial building is also “coming along well,” with $1.5 billion worth of projects under way and a similar pipeline of planned work.
“The $689 million Royal Hobart Hospital project is still the largest project,” it says. “Planned work has been boosted, with University of Tasmania plans to move its science-technology-engineering building to Hobart’s CBD, at a cost of $400 million.”
The value of projects under way is up 27 percent to $2.9 billion. Adding planned projects, the total is $4.98 billion.
Tourism is big for Tasmania, with strong results for 2015-16. For the first time Tasmania had over one million interstate visitors, who spent $2 billion. Airline capacity rose by 173,658 new seats between the state’s two main airports and Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. TT-Line ran 33 extra day sailings over peak season, with visitors arriving on Spirit of Tasmania growing 17 percent.
In the 2015-16 summer, there were 59 cruise ship port calls in Tasmania — delivering 163,328 passengers and crew. Big growth in cruise ship visits is forecast for the next two seasons. The tourism industry supports 36,700 jobs or 15.3 percent of total jobs, and contributes $2.55 billion to the economy (10 percent of gross state product).
All of that provides a solid foundation on which real estate can continue to grow in Hobart, Launceston and Devonport.
Terry Ryder is the founder of <a href="https://www.hotspotting.com.au/" target="_blank">hotspotting.com.au</a>. You can <a href="https://mailto:ryder@hotspotting.com.au" target="_blank">email him</a> or follow him on <a href="https://twitter.com/hotspotting" target="_blank">Twitter.</a>
 
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terryryder-YECXbqmri2

Solid foundations for real estate growth in Hobart, Launceston and Devonport

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Oceanfront Stewarts Bay Lodge resort and Gabriel’s on the Bay Restaurant, bordering World Heritage-listed national park and the Port Arthur Historic Site on the Tasman Peninsula, have been listed for sale.
The resort was established in 2007 by Hobart businessman Rod West.
He was the mastermind of other famed Tasmanian enterprises including gourmet food store Norman &amp; Dann, the Socrates educational retail chain, centre for design excellence IXL Design, and Raw the Natural Grocer.
It is one of only a handful of accommodation businesses in Tasmania owned and operated as ‘management rights’.
The management rights to the nine-hectare beachfront cabin resort will be sold by operators Mark and Pauline Etheridge, along with associated freehold real estate, through specialist national accommodation and hospitality property agency, Resort Brokers Australia.
Resort Brokers’ Tasmanian agent, Ray Ironside, says it is a genuinely rare opportunity as the only management rights currently available in Tasmania.
The sale includes the caretaking and letting agreements on a 16-year management rights term with all 40 investor-owned cabins in the letting pool.
Freehold real estate also part of the package includes a three bedroom manager’s residence and a freestanding reception, office and utilities building. 
A two-bedroom demountable staff residence is also included.
“Resort Brokers Australia has been involved with the property since Rod West and partners bought it in 2007, extensively renovated the existing cabins and developed a further 21 two bedroom 4.5-star chalets overlooking the bay,” Ironside said.
“He very successfully sold all lots to investors, except those needed for operations, and we helped establish the management rights agreement then with a new 25-year term, which was one of the first such operations in Tasmania.
"Stewarts Bay Lodge was definitely a pioneer in this state, and still today there are literally only a handful of other true management rights operations.”
The popular Port Arthur destination includes Gabriel’s on the Bay Restaurant, which seats up to 110 indoors and 100 on the external terrace and lawns.
<img src="/images/2016/11/16/Stewarts%20Bay%20Lodge%20Aerial.jpg" alt="">
“Gabriel’s on the Bay is a tremendous asset, not only as a fine restaurant, but because it helps drive the accommodation business and is attracting strong growth in the functions and conference market with some $500,000 worth of advance and long-term accommodation and events reservations on the books," Ironside said.
“The Tasman Peninsula is one of Australia’s most visited regions, not only because of the profound Port Arthur Historic Site, but so many attractions including the Port Arthur Coal Mines, Remarkable Cave, the Convict Trail, wildlife including little penguins at Eaglehawk Neck, the blowhole and the Tessellated Pavements.
“Now we have Australia’s newest premier walk, the Three Capes Walk, which just won the New Business Award at the Tasmanian Tourism Awards, attracting people from all over the world.”
Stewarts Bay Lodge enjoys consistently high occupancy from multiple markets including international and interstate visitors, locals on short breaks, function and conference guests and the ever-expanded baby boomer travel market, he said.
The management rights business is listed with a price tag of $1.85 million, including the substantial freehold real estate component.
Tourism and hospitality properties are attracting growing investment interest on the back of positive visitor economy gains, Ironside said.
Latest figures from Tourism Tasmania show 1.17 million people visited Tasmania in the year ending June 2016 (up 2% annually).
They have spent 10.2 million nights, which is an increase of 5% on the previous year.
Visitors spent more than $2.05 billion during 2015-16, 9% more than the year before.
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Tassie tourism management rights for Stewarts Bay Lodge listed

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The local industrial economic situation in Tasmania and Victoria is reported to be flat, according to Herron Todd White’s (HTW) latest monthly market report.
The property advisory firm says that the volume of property sales have been steady with the exception of Gippsland, which is declining, and Ballarat which is improving.
The volume of property sales is increasing in Ballarat, while the rental vacancy trend is steady. HTW remark that the local economic conditions are for steady growth.
<a href="/images/2016/10/14/VicTas%20industrial.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/14/VicTas%20industrial.jpg" alt="">
Overall there is a mixture of a balanced market and some regions that are experiencing an oversupply of industrial properties.
This is despite the rental vacancy trend reported to be steady throughout the Tasmanian and Victorian regions.
Photo of Ballarat courtesy of WikiCommons. 
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Ballarat industrial property market on the improve: HTW

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Mt Edgcumbe in Tasmania has been listed for the first time in 50 years.
Located at <a href="https://landmarkharcourts.com.au/Property/675072/TRT0508/39678-Tasman-Highway" target="_blank">Nunamara, 39678 Tasman Highway</a> it is being marketed as a beef/prime lamb/lifestyle farm with Launceston only 15 minutes away.
The original 1850s homestead is located at the end of a 500 metre driveway.
It sits on 40ha of excellent pasture.
The home has also been extensively renovated ten years ago on top of the hill, surrounded by garden.
There's the shearing shed, cattle yards, machinery shed and hay barn. Many of the original stone wall fences remain intact as well as the water troughs in all the paddocks.
Offers close on 25 November through Harxourts agent Michael Warren.
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Mt Edgcumbe, Tasmanian homestead for sale 

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The expiry of Tasmania's first home buyer incentives for purchasers of established dwellings in 2014 saw first home buyer demand decline, according to QBE’s latest housing report.
First home buyer demand in the state has since bottomed out and is now in a recovery phase, the report said.
Loans to first home buyers increased by an annual 6% in 2015/16 and the rising trend has been accelerating, with loans to first home buyers in June quarter 2016 being 24% higher than the same period a year earlier.
It is likely that some of this demand stems from increased interstate migration. In contrast, purchase activity by upgraders and downsizers has been easing, with loans to non–first home buyers having fallen by 4% in 2015/16.
Demand from investors has also been decreasing, with the total value of loans to investors having fallen by an annual 13% in 2015/16. As with the other states, tightened lending policy by the banks is containing investor demand, although the decline in 2015/16 has been lower than the national decline.
Rental growth has been largely flat and vacancy rates are close to balance at just under 3% through 2015/16.
House prices in Hobart were flat in 2014/15, but picked up in 2015/16, with the median house price increasing by 5.2%. Tasmania’s net interstate migration outflow has been steadily declining since peaking in 2011/12, and interstate migration is on track to record a net inflow in 2015/16.
Part of the driver of this recovery is likely to be increased “tree changers” downsizing from the more expensive mainland capitals, while there are also likely to be many returnees from the mining states who contributed to the higher net interstate migration outflows of recent years.
House price growth has been unevenly spread across the Local Government Areas of Hobart. Median house price growth has been particularly strong in Hobart (10.1%), Clarence (8.4%) and Kingborough (6.9%). Glenorchy (1.1%) and Brighton (2.8%) saw more moderate house price growth while Sorell (–3.3%) experienced a decline in its median house price. The overall Greater Hobart median grew 5.2% over 2015/16.
<a href="/images/2016/10/14/Table%2012.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
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The Tasmanian economy has been weak in recent years. A high Australian dollar and slow population growth have added to general economic weakness. However, improved household spending, non–residential building activity and improving exports suggest a stronger economic recovery.
The weakening Australian dollar should support growth in tourism while the agricultural and mining industries should also benefit. The state unemployment rate fell from 7.8% at March 2014 to 6.6% at March 2016. Greater Hobart has a lower unemployment rate than the rest of the state, having fallen from 6.7% to 6.1% over the same period.
Greater Hobart has also been the main destination for migrants from overseas, interstate and the rest of Tasmania, with its population rising by 0.8% in 2014/15 while the population of the rest of Tasmania was flat.
On the supply side, completions at the state level have continued to rise while underlying demand has been slow. This has seen Tasmania’s dwelling surplus climb from 4,800 dwellings to an estimated 5,300 dwellings at June 2016. Given the disparity between population growth, it is likely that the oversupply is greater in regional Tasmania.
Reflecting lower income levels and fewer drivers of employment, Hobart has the lowest median house price compared to the other state capitals. Its relative affordability compared to other capital cities is a significant driver of demand as interstate migrants seek a more affordable market.
The current low interest rate environment is expected to improve affordability and spur purchaser demand, the QBE report said. Poor affordability in Melbourne and Sydney is expected to fuel further migration to Tasmanian cities, a trend already evident with the net interstate inflow forecast to increase further to 1,000 persons in 2016/17 and 2017/18.
Click to open chart in new window
<img src="/images/2016/10/14/Chart%2030.jpg" alt="">
Overall, the gradual recovery in the local economy and interstate migration is expected to underpin price growth, while the presence of an excess dwelling stock at the state level will likely limit price growth to more moderate levels. Hobart’s median house price is forecast to rise from $377,900 at June 2016 to $425,000 by June 2019, reflecting growth of around 4% per annum or a cumulative 12.5%.
With a significantly smaller unit market, and thus a smaller sample of sales volumes to measure the median, movement in the median unit price in Hobart can be much more volatile from quarter to quarter. Overall, however, median unit prices have been in a gradual decline since its peak median price of $420,000 in June 2011.
With falling investor demand, the unit market could experience the greatest impact as investor purchasers have traditionally been more prevalent buying units.
This softness is expected to continue to dampen demand, limiting median unit price growth to a forecast 1%–2% per annum through to 2018/19. This is forecast by QBE to push the median unit price to $315,000 at June 2019; a cumulative growth of 4.5% over the forecast period.
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Hobart first home buyers in recovery stage: QBE Housing Outlook

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Within the greater Hobart region, the most favoured price point among buyers at present is within the $300,000 to $400,000 range.
The majority of these sales come from the middle Hobart suburbs, according to Herron Todd White’s latest monthly market report.
The property advisory firm says that home buyers at this price point in these mid suburbs include up-graders and downsizers along with some investors.
The majority of recent sales and listings within this price bracket came from Howrah, Kingston, Lutana and Moonah, all of which are within a 15 kilometre radius of Hobart’s centre.
"Within this price range in Howrah you would typically be able to purchase a smaller sized, approximately 125 square metres of living area, modern home or a larger (from 175 square metres) older style home," the report said.
"In Kingston, to the south west of Hobart and the most rapidly growing area within the greater Hobart region, you can expect to pick up an older style home offering 140 to 180 square metres of living area for between $350,000 and $400,000.
"For those who prefer unit living, in Kingston for between $300,000 and $350,000, a two to three bedroom unit with a living area of around 100 to 130 square metres can be purchased within one of the newer subdivisions."
The $300,000 to $400,000 range is mostly favoured throughout Moonah and Lutana due to the attractive rental return for investors.
Typically an older style, three or four bedroom home in original condition can be purchased at around $350,000 and could be expected to achieve a gross yield between 4.5% to 6%.
One example would be a three bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-tas-moonah-123751390" target="_blank">4 Clifford Street</a> (pictured above) that has been for sale for $335,000.
In the north of the state the most favoured price point among buyers appears to be within the $250,000 to $350,000 price range. South Launceston, West Launceston, Newstead and Invermay have recorded multiple sales within the past few months in this price range.
An older style, renovated home offering between 100 and 150 square metres of living area in west or south Launceston can be picked up within this $250,000 to $350,000 bracket. For the same price range in Newstead you can get an older style home in original condition with a living area ranging between 120 and 180 square metres. All of these suburbs are within two to four kilometres of Launceston’s centre.
The north and north-west of the state have a similar demographic of purchasers within their respective favoured buyer price points. Second home buyers appear to be in the majority and are either upsizing or downsizing.
North-west Tasmania is seeing a favoured price point within the $200,000 to $300,000 range. Devonport, East Devonport, Sheffield and Port Sorell have had a relatively stronger presence for both sales and listings.
Recently in Devonport and East Devonport purchases of modern or renovated homes that offer 125 to 200 square metres of living area have been made within this price bracket.
Both the north and north-west of the state paint a similar picture for investors as that of the south with gross yields of between 5% to 6% being achieved.
Throughout Tasmania the slowest price point appears to be within the $100,000 to $170,000 range.
The majority of properties within this range in the south can be found in Clarendon Vale, Bridgewater, and Gagebrook all of which are within approximately 30 kilometres or a 30 minute commute to the Hobart CBD, the report said.
These properties are mostly single level, brick veneer, three bedroom, one bathroom houses ranging from 90 to 120 square metres of living area and were previously state housing.
Buyers within this range are often investors looking for a strong rental return with rents ranging between $200 and $300 per week. Many of these homes require repairs prior to being made available for rent.
"Due to required repairs these homes generally have extended selling periods and do not appear to be in strong demand," HTW advised.
"Rocherlea and Waverley are suburbs in the north where similar types of properties are available for purchase but demand is likewise limited.
"While these suburbs offer low barriers of entry and good gross yields for investors their potential for future capital growth should also be considered,\."
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Attractive rental returns draw Tasmanian investors to Moonah and Lutana: HTW 

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Tasmania's Appin Hall, a respite centre for children, has been listed for sale by former Australian rock singer Ronnie Burns and wife Maggie.
They are planning to move the Errima-based charity to Victoria after the decision was made for a 60-metre NBN tower to be built nearby.
"In the not too distant future the foundation will be working in reverse, flying Tassie families and youth camps to Victoria for holidays," he said.
Ronnie and Maggie paid <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-tas-erriba-121424062" target="_blank">$155,000 for the property</a> in 1998 and have invited families from the mainland for respite and time out from the pressures of children with illness.
Set on 13.3 hectares, the French provincial style, self-sustainable village has been listed through Jo Eady at One Agency Launceston.
In 2013 Ronnie was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia for his significant service to the community, particularly to children recovering from illness and trauma, and the entertainment industry.
This article was first published in the Weekend Australian Mansion Australia property section.
 
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Ronnie Burns lists Tasmania's Appin Hall

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A freehold motel in Tasmania has changed hands for $649,000. The vendor was keen to retire, so the selling agents suggested it was priced to sell below value.
Masons Cottages at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-hotel+leisure-tas-taranna-501264607" target="_blank">5741 Arthur Highway, Taranna, Tas 7180</a> is a solid brick motel comprising three adjacent titles totalling 2937 square metres. 
The first title has two attached studio apartments, a large shed and two smaller sheds. The second has three cottages and guest BBQ, while the third has the manager’s residence and other amenities.
The property was offered as a going concer and the content of the cottages and studios were offered on a walk-in walk-out basis. 
The manager's residence has three good sized bedrooms, two living areas, a dining area, kitchen, separate walk in pantry, bathroom (with bath and separate shower) and separate toilet. It also contains the office/reception.
The business has been in operation since 1998 and it has been in the hands of the current owners since 2007. Its turnover in 2014/2015 was $126,000 with adjusted profits at $71,000. The business returns around 11% per annum and has good visibility and online reviews, according to the property’s description.
Masons Cottages is located on Tasman Peninsula, just 10km from the famous Port Arthur Penal Settlement. It has easy access to Hobart, being 70km by road from the Hobart Airport and 86 km by road from the CBD. 
There are several bushwalks in the nearby area, from easy to quite difficult, including one of Tasmania's best-known bush walks to Cape Huay.
The property was sold by Alex Omran of National Brokers.
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