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

Vacancy Rate

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Perth has recorded the largest monthly rise nationally in residential vacancies during June with a 0.3 percentage point rise during June, according to SQM Research.
The national vacancy rate during June 2.5 percent with 77,891 vacancies. Year on year this vacancy rates have increased one percent. Perth vacancies increased 1.4 percent to 10,190 year on year.
<a href="/images/2016/07/19/Screen%20Shot%202016-07-19%20at%209.28.13%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/07/19/Screen%20Shot%202016-07-19%20at%209.28.13%20AM.png" alt="">
Louis Christopher, managing director of SQM Research said the rental market slump continues for Perth.
"Rents are now down in that city by 23 percent over the last three years," he said.
"Outside the current situation for Darwin, I don’t believe rents have fallen this much for any Australian capital city since the Second World War.
"Perth has recorded ongoing falls in asking rents of 9.1 percent for houses and 10 percent for units over the past 12 months. Yearly falls have also been recorded in Darwin, with asking rents down 2.7 percent for houses and 7.1 percent for units.
"Hobart continues to record the most affordable rental accommodation with houses at just $343 a week, and units averaging $284 a week."
According to SQM yearly falls were also recorded for Canberra, Hobart and Darwin, with Canberra vacancies decreasing 1.0 percent compared to June 2015. Hobart recorded a fall of 0.6 percentage points, based on 249 vacancies. Darwin soon followed with a vacancy rate of 3.0% for the month of May, a yearly fall of 0.5 percent.
<a href="/images/2016/07/19/Screen%20Shot%202016-07-19%20at%209.29.30%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/07/19/Screen%20Shot%202016-07-19%20at%209.29.30%20AM.png" alt="">
 
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Perth vacancy rates breaks record high: SQM Research

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<div>National vacancy rates for May remain unchanged year on year, staying tight throughout the month with a 2.4 percent vacancy rate, according to SQM Research.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>SQM managing director Louis Christopher said Darwin recorded the largest monthly fall, with vacancies decreasing by 0.5 percentage points during the month. </div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2016/06/15/Screen%20Shot%202016-06-15%20at%202.46.49%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div><img src="/images/2016/06/15/Screen%20Shot%202016-06-15%20at%202.46.49%20PM.png" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div>"Canberra also experienced moderate monthly falls with vacancy rates down 0.3 percentage points. Vacancies fell 0.1 percent in Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney and Hobart during May 2016," he said.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div>"National Rents were slightly weaker this month with a 12 month average change that is mirroring the CPI index. Going forward we do not expect any resurgence in rents for the foreseeable future, barring some cities such as Hobart, which we do expect higher rental growth rates due to a falling trend in vacancies.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>"Darwin has recorded ongoing falls in asking rents of 10.4 percent for houses and 12.2 percent for units over the past 12 months. Yearly falls have also been recorded in Perth, with asking rents down 9.6 percent for houses and a considerable 10.0 percent for units.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>"Hobart continues to record the most affordable rental accommodation with rents for houses at just $347 a week, and units averaging $277 a week."</div>
</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2016/06/15/Screen%20Shot%202016-06-15%20at%202.43.23%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div>.<img src="/images/2016/06/15/Screen%20Shot%202016-06-15%20at%202.43.23%20PM.png" alt="">
</div>
<div> </div>
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po-LsXgBTHBmX

National vacancy rate tight for May: SQM

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<div>More interesting trends reported today by SQM Research for the month of April 2016.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Over the past year Melbourne's reported vacancy rate declined from 2.2 per cent to 2.1 per cent, while in Sydney the reported vacancy rate has fallen from from 1.8 per cent to 1.7 per cent.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>At the other end of the spectrum, Perth reached a new cyclical high of 4.6 per cent suggesting that the bottom for the Western Australian capital may not yet be in, although lower interest rates may well help to support prices. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>In Perth both median house (-8.4 per cent) and unit (-9,3 per cent) asking rents have declined over the past year, although actual dwelling price declines have been modest. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Asking rents are also down for Darwin houses (-8.4 per cent) and units (-12.5 per cent).</div>
<div> </div>
<div>On the other hand median asking unit rents increased year-on-year or both Sydney (+5 per cent) and Melbourne (+4.1 per cent), while in Brisbane the increase was more modest (+1.3 per cent).</div>
<a href="/images/2016/05/18/SQM.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<div class="separator"><img src="/images/2016/05/18/SQM.jpg" alt=""></div>
 
<div>Since month to month vacancy rates can move around a bit, I've smoothed the data below on a 4mMA basis (arguably I should also be applying a seasonal factor, but I haven't so...shucks).</div>
<div> </div>
<div>This chart gives an interesting perspective on recent trends, although the Christmas period can be a bit of a distortion.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2016/05/18/SQM2.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div><img src="/images/2016/05/18/SQM2.jpg" alt=""></div>
 Fascinating stuff.
<div>In most capital cities vacancy rates have declined over the past year.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>In Sydney demand has marginally outstripped supply. Even in apartment construction hotspots such as Green Square vacancy rates have reportedly fallen sharply from 3.5 per cent this time last year to just 1 per cent.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Now sure, you might question the measurement criteria (where a new block of units is constructed only a sample of apartments might be advertised for rent, for example), but aren't the measurement criteria measuring like-for-like figures?</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">blogger</a>. 
His latest book is <a href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>.
</div>
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pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

Melbourne and Sydney rental property vacancies down over year: Pete Wargent

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GUEST OBSERVER
In March this year, investigation from the City Futures Research Centre at the University of New South Wales suggested that vacant properties across Sydney were constricting supply and adding to unaffordability.
The number of unoccupied dwellings in Sydney was derived from 2011 Census data, and researchers found that approximately 120,000 dwellings across Sydney were unoccupied on the night of the Census. It was also found that a higher concentration of vacant properties were found in inner-city suburbs, where rental yields are low.
The study concluded that the ability to negatively gear investment properties and receive large capital gains tax concessions incentivised investors to hold properties empty. This would explain why vacancies were higher where the capital gains on an untouched property exceeded the benefit of renting it out.
However, the evidence found may not support this conclusion, partly because properties have to be rented out or at least available for rent in order to receive benefits from negative gearing.
Representatives from the real estate sector claimed that the figure of vacant properties and its impact on affordability was overstated, as the data did not take into account properties that were vacant because they were on the market and people were in between moving homes. However, Residex data shows that on the night of the Census, there were approximately 6,100 properties listed for rent and approximately 14,200 properties listed for sale in Sydney. Listed properties are not necessarily vacant, but assuming they are, this would account for just 17% of the vacant properties estimated across the greater Sydney region on Census night.
It would seem that market activity cannot account for the majority of the vacant properties in Sydney’s metropolitan.
Eliza Owen is the market analyst for Onthehouse.com.au. She can be contacted <a href="https://www.onthehouse.com.au/" target="_blank">here.</a>
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Vacant properties: are the figures overstated? Onthehouse.com.au's Eliza Owen

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Sydney vacancy rates for January rose 0.1 percent for the Inner region to 1.9 percent, Outer Sydney up 0.4 percent to 2.3 percent and the middle region down 0.6 percent to 1.8 percent, according to REINSW.
The January 2016 REINSW Vacancy Rate Survey found combined Sydney properties for rent down 0.1 percent at 2.0 percent.
Hunter vacancy rates rose 0.7 per cent at 3.0 percent with Newcastle up 0.9 percent to 2.7 percent.
Albury fell 0.5 percent at 2.7 percent, Northern Rivers fell 0.2 percent at 0.7 percent and Riverina was down 0.3 percent at 3.7 per cent. Central Coast rose 0.3 percent to 2.8 percent, New England rose 0.3 percent to 3.6 percent and Mid North Coast rose 0.7 percent to 1.8 percent.
REINSW President John Cunningham said vacancy rates were expected to remain tight for much of 2016.
 
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Sydney rental accommodation remains tight: REINSW

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Sydneyï¿½s residential vacancy rates in Inner Sydney have remained tight, according to data released by the Real Estate Institute of New South Wales.
The December 2015 REINSW Direct Connect Vacancy Rate Survey saw the number of properties for rent remain steady at 1.8 per cent, as seen in November 2015.
REINSW President John Cunningham said a large number of developments were waiting to be competed in inner Sydney.
ï¿½Stock levels remain low in some of Sydneyï¿½s most popular areas and this is set to continue until the completion of many large developments which are underway,ï¿½ Mr Cunningham said.
<a href="/images/2016/01/22/Screen%20Shot%202016-01-22%20at%208.03.39%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/01/22/Screen%20Shot%202016-01-22%20at%208.03.39%20AM.png" alt="">
Vacancy rates in outer Sydney rose 0.2 per cent to 1.9 per cent, while middle Sydney rose 0.7 per cent at 2.4 per cent due in large part to lower response rates in this area caused by the holiday period.
ï¿½Innerï¿½ includes suburbs in the following LGAs: Ashfield, Botany Bay, Lane Cove, Leichhardt, Marrickville, Mosman, North Sydney, Randwick, Sydney, Waverley and Woollahra.
ï¿½Middleï¿½ includes suburbs in the following LGAs: Auburn, Bankstown, Burwood, Canterbury, Canada Bay, Hunters Hill, Hurstville, Kogarah, Ku-ring-gai, Manly, Parramatta, Rockdale, Ryde, Strathfield and Willoughby.
ï¿½Outerï¿½ includes suburbs in the following LGAs: Baulkham Hills, Blacktown, Blue Mountains, Camden, Campbelltown, Fairfield, Gosford, Hawkesbury, Holroyd, Hornsby, Liverpool, Penrith, Pittwater, Sutherland, Warringah, Wollondilly and Wyong.
Availability in the Hunter region continued its decline with a fall of 0.2 per cent at 2.3 per cent.
Newcastle was down 0.3 per cent at 1.8 per cent.
In the Illawarra the overall vacancy rate fell 0.1 per cent to 0.9 per cent despite a rise of 0.4 per cent in Wollongong to 1.5 per cent.
In the regional areas New England rose 0.2 per cent to 3.3 per cent, Albury added 0.8 per cent to 3.2 per cent and the South Coast was up 0.3 per cent to 1.7 per cent.
Northern Rivers dropped 0.6 per cent at 0.9 per cent and Coffs Harbour was down 0.8 per cent at 1.7 per cent.
<a href="/images/2016/01/22/Screen%20Shot%202016-01-22%20at%208.03.52%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/01/22/Screen%20Shot%202016-01-22%20at%208.03.52%20AM.png" alt="">
ï¿½
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Inner Sydney vacancy rate remains tight: REINSW

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SQM Research released its latest vacancies and asking rents figures up to October 2015, which showed vacancy rates steady across much of the east coast but rising in the resources capitals.    Reported vacancy rates were steady in Brisbane (2.6%) and Adelaide (1.9%), while Canberra (2.1%) saw a slight decline.   The vacancy rate in Sydney declined to 1.6%, which has been reflected in moderately rising asking rents for houses (+1.9%) and units (+3.1%) over the year, although the rents figures may mask divergent trends at the sub-regional level.   While both Melbourne (2.4%) and Hobart (1.1%) saw vacancy rates ticking up in October, over the past year both have recorded declines, and as such asking rents have been rising solidly in these cities too. 
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Resources woes
On the other hand vacancy rates rose further still in Perth (3.8%) and Darwin (3.5%).
Asking rents for houses in Darwin have tanked by more than 20% over the past year according to SQM, with Darwin set for a significant price correction.
Asking rents are down for houses in Perth too (-6.4%), albeit by a less dramatic margin.
Perth has reportedly seen the price of premium property fall sharply this year, although prices at the bottom end of the market have not shifted too much to date.
Perth will become an attractive buyers' market again in time, but most data - including the iron ore price which was walloped by another 4.5% overnight to be down by a stonking 76% since 2011 and 36% this calendar year alone - suggests that this time is not yet upon us!
PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">blogger</a>. 
His latest book is <a href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>.
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Vacancy rates a mixed bag: Pete Wargent

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The level of residential vacancies rose nationally in October with a 2.3% increase over the month to 70, 827 according to SQM Research.
But Canberra and Sydney notched up monthly falls.
SQM Research managing director Louis Christopher said vacancies have been soaring in Perth and Darwin, while east coast capital cities have been stable.
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“There is a sharp contrast in the national rental market at this point in time," he said.
"Vacancies have been soaring in Perth and Darwin, while our east coast capital cities have generally been stable. This is just one indicator on how the mining downturn has effected the economy.
"Clearly, not everywhere has been effected, but those cities and townships that do have exposure have been hit hard.”
SQM Research reported vacancy rates stayed the same for Adelaide and Brisbane over the month, year-on-year vacancy rates dropped in both Melbourne and Hobart and Sydney vacancy rates remain unchanged over the last year, with figures from October 2015 recording a vacancy rate of 1.6%.
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Sydney's October vacancy rate at low 1.6%: SQM Research

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Residential vacancies dropped in Melbourne, Canberra, Darwin and Hobart in September, according to new figures released by SQM Research.
SQM Research managing director Louis Christopher said over the year, vacancy rates in Hobart have continued to fall with a significant 0.4% drop from this time last year.
"Vacancy rates in Melbourne have also fallen 0.3% over the last 12 months, bringing the total number of vacancies down to 272 in September 2015. Both falls reflect the tightening of both residential markets post downturns," he said.
"The number of residential vacancies remained tight across the nation in September 2015, with a vacancy rate of 2.3% posted based on 70,037 vacancies. Vacancies remained the same in most capital cities, excluding Melbourne, Canberra, Darwin and Hobart, where vacancies dropped over the month of September.
"Darwin and Canberra recorded the biggest monthly fall with vacancy rates down 0.2 percentage points from August 2015. Hobart and Melbourne soon followed with vacancies falling 0.1% over the month of September."
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SQM Research state asking rents for Darwin and Perth are down when compared to last year, with Darwin house rents down 18.8% and 15.1% for units over the past 12 months. asking rents for Perth houses are down 7.5% and units 7.2%.
 
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Hobart vacancy rates continue to fall: SQM Research

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Queensland regional areas are slowly recovering from a property market slump driven by the resources downturn.
New vacancy rate data from the REIQ reveals the regional centres throughout the state are moving slowly towards a recovery. 
REIQ chief executive office Antonia Mercorella said in towns where employment rates are stronger and opportunities are greater the rental market is recovering more quickly.
“The State Government has announced a range of regional infrastructure projects in its recent budget and these will doubtless impact on the vacancy rates in the coming quarters,” she said. 
Figures from REIQ show Mackay has had a third consecutive drop in vacancy rate, down 0.3 percentage points from March to 9.1%, with rental listings spending on average four weeks on the market with approximately two applicants per listing.
The vacancy rate in Townsville fell 0.6 percentage points to 5.3% at the end of June.
Bundaberg had the highest vacancy rate in 21 quarters, with the end of June figure up 0.5 percentage points to 4.6%
Rockhampton's rental market is in oversupply, with its vacancy rate at 6% at the end of June.
Toowomba's vacancy rate was marginally down 0.1 percentage points to 3.1%.
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 The REIQ classifies vacancy rates of 2.5% or below as tight and rates of 2.5% to 3.5% as healthy. Vacancy rates of 3.6 per cent or above is classed as a weak market. 
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