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

Trophy Sales

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Omro, a period home in Kew, sold under the hammer last weekend for $2,425,000.
Five bidders competed for the 1910 Edwardian mansion, which was once home to the Mayor of Kew. 
The four-bedroom house with a spa at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-kew-126503290" target="_blank">230 Cotham Road</a>, on the corner of Davis Street, secured $125,000 above reserve.
The Edwardian home sits in the exclusive Sackville Ward precinct.
It has four bedrooms plus spacious study.
The living area features high ornate ceilings.
Jellis Craig agent Alastair Craig said a young family, who were overseas, won the keys with its school zone status a big attraction.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Former Kew mayor's home sold under the hammer

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Recent Paddington prices suggest the suburb is popular again with buyers, albeit with limited opportunities. 
Darlinghurst and Surry Hills had narrowed the gap, but now Paddo has hit its stride. 
James Harron, the managing director of James Harron Bloodstock, and wife Alison are recent Paddington buyers <a href="https://www.bresicwhitney.com.au/buy/47-glenview-street-paddington-14564" target="_blank">having spent $4.75 million</a>.
The purchase will be small change should the young Irishman have the winner of the $10 million The Everest, the world's richest turf race at Randwick this October.
Their four bedroom home was snapped up within a fortnight of its listing through BresicWhitney agent Brad Hillier.
It had been a quick flip renovation as the home traded at $3.31 million in 2015.
The large two storey terrace with double frontage features polished timber floors, high ceilings and decorative period detail.
Set on 300 sqm, it has an atrium-style connection with gardens and a private entertaining space.
Harron first came to Australia in 2004 to do a three month yearling sales preparation for Coolmore Stud, the Irish headquarters of the world's largest breeding operation of thoroughbred racehorses.
He returned to Australia in 2011 to set up his own business. 
Harron had quick success with the now retired Capitalist, then Vancouver.
James Harron Bloodstock was successful in purchasing two colts and three fillies at the mid-week Inglis Sydney Easter Yearling Sale.
Meanwhile billionaire Greg Goodman's thinning of his Woollahra property portfolio has spilled over to Paddington, where whispers are he has offloaded a three level Underwood Street investment.
The home that had been reinvented by Luigi Rosselli cost Goodman $4.2 million in 2014 through estate agent Will Manning. 
Leased at $3,500 a week in 2015, the Victorian four bedroom terrace is tipped to have attracted buying interest around the $6 million to $6.2 million region.
The buyer is likely to emerge as Nudie Jeans co-founder Bryce Alton and his wife Rebecca.
According to RP Data, the median sale price is now $2.1 million compared to $1.3 million in 2012 and $1.6 million in 2014. The number of homes sold per year decreased during 2016 to 200, down from the more typical 300 per year.
This article first appeared in the Sunday Telegraph.
 
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firstname1-iYD4UYzvBa

Paddo property off and racing

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Sales in Melbourne's prestige property market are strong with 134 prestige property auctions reported in Melbourne last week according to Domain's Andrew Wilson.
He said Melbourne reported another strong prestige auction clearance rate of 79.9 percent last week.
"Although well below the previous week’s result of 88.2 percent from low holiday listings was well ahead of the 73.7 percent recorded over the same week last year.
"This week’s clearance rate is the highest non-holiday result of the year so far and the fourth result above 79.0 percent recorded over the past 5 weeks.
"Melbourne’s prestige home auction market accounted for 15.9 percent of total auction activity reported last week which was higher than the 9.0 percent recorded the previous week but lower than the 19.3 percent recorded over the same week last year.
"The Melbourne prestige auction market median sale price was down over the week, falling to $2,150,000 compared to the $2,315,000 recorded over the previous week.
"The median auction price however was 21.6 percent higher than the $1,767,500 reported over the same week last year.
"The top performing Melbourne prestige auction market suburbs by sales volume over the past four weeks with 100 percent clearance rates have been Caulfield North with a median at $2,100,000 followed by McKinnon $1,852,500, Deepdene  $3,662,500, Middle Park $1,920,000 and Eaglemont with a median auction price of $4,575,000."
Property Observer found a four bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-caulfield+north-124688318" target="_blank">123 Kambrook Road Caulfield North</a> (above) which sold recently for $2.1 million.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/03/24/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-24%20at%2011.30.02%20AM.png" alt="">
 
A five bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-mckinnon-124815050" target="_blank">9 Clee Street McKinnon</a>, (above) sold for $1,625,000.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/03/24/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-24%20at%2011.32.15%20AM.png" alt="">
 
A three bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-middle+park-124043770" target="_blank">198 Page Street Middle Park</a> (above), was sold for $2,350,000.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/03/24/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-24%20at%2011.37.10%20am.jpg" alt="">
The four bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-deepdene-124092510" target="_blank">1 Abercrombie Street Deepdene</a> (above), sold for $2,230,000.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/03/24/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-24%20at%2011.57.00%20AM.png" alt="">
 
The two bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-eaglemont-124765334" target="_blank">24 Brooke Street Eaglemont </a>(above) recently sold for $2,850,000.
 
 
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Melbourne's prestige suburbs netting 100 percent clearance rates

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

Elizabeth Bay penthouse sells at $8.55 million pre-auction

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After numerous attempts to sell, former Telstra chief Ted Pretty has taken $4 million for his Woollahra home in Myles Baldwin gardens.
Having originally listed the home in late 2014 and again earlier this year, Pretty's Sydney HQ didn't sell at auction in March.
It was then listed for normal sale at $4.38 million, before being taken over by <a href="https://rwdbgroup.com/nsw/woollahra/1468017/" target="_blank">Ray White Double Bay</a> agent Eliott Placks who amended the asking price.
Pretty paid $2.75 million in 2012, for the now the completely rebuilt residence that has all three bedrooms with Juliet balconies.
Pretty has been around the block, including senior positions at Telstra, Macquarie Group, Gulf Finance House and Hills Limited.
The median price for a home in Woollahra is $2,430,000 according to CoreLogic RP Data. 
This article was first published in the Saturday Daily Telegraph.
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Pretty Woollahra house in Myles Baldwin gardens sells

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Global residential property developer Greenland Australia has sold an 81st floor sub-penthouse at its flagship Sydney CBD development Greenland Centre for $10.3 million.
Designed by architects BVN Donovan Hill, the Greenland Centre on Bathurst Street will be the tallest residential tower in Sydney reaching 235 metres in height.
With interiors designed by acclaimed architects Woods Bagot, the four bedroom penthouse finishes exude elegance featuring rich and rare slab marbles, exquisite limestone, and solid timbers. 
Greenland Australia CEO Sherwood Luo said the sale highlights the market’s sustained appetite for prestige apartments in the inner-city.
Spanning 328.7 sqm, the apartment becomes the fifth penthouse out of nine to sell in the building. Greenland have already sold 98 per cent of the 478 apartment block.
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