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South Australia isn't a state that always gets a look in, however trawling the listings it's hard to see why. With a huge range of properties, and often with more affordable pricetags, there's no shortage of beautiful homes. From modern, recently-updated homes with every contemporary convenience, to slightly more rambling, crumbling heritage properties with their own quirky charm, it's unlikely you won't see it.
We've also added one extra for you at the end of the list, that's currently under contract, but that we couldn't bear skipping.
You might also want to see the Top Five in: <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/five-of-the-most-beautiful-homes-currently-on-the-market-in-victoria/2013112766650" target="_blank">Victoria</a> <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/step-inside-five-of-the-most-beautiful-residences-in-nsw/2013120166700?utm_source=po&amp;utm_medium=aida&amp;utm_campaign=editor%27spicksextra" target="_blank">New South Wales</a> <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/queensland/queenslands-five-most-beautiful-homes-on-the-market/2013120366766" target="_blank">Queensland</a>
 
5) <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-sa-medindie-115594939" target="_blank">7 Myrtles Court, Medindie</a><a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-sa-medindie-115594939" target="_blank"></a>
This circa 1890 home 'The Myrtles' is a six-bedroom, four-bathroom home on 2,201 square metres of grounds.
The house itself, approximately 878 square metres, includes a great hall, a presidential study, a billiards room, home theatre, powder room, three connecting wine cellars and a separate au pair wing.
Outside includes a tennis court, heated pool and spa, and outdoor kitchen/barbecue area and secure garages for four cars.
It has been the set for film and television productions, including Golden Fiddles, Shine and McLeod's Daughters.
It last sold in 2007 for $3,900,000, having previously been bought in 2006 for $5,200,000.
The property was formerly home to Myles and Cathy Jayne Pearce who clashed with real estate identity Neil Jenman in the past over investigations into their business dealings.
In 2007, in a mortgagee in possession sale, not a single bid was made on the property despite a crowd of 200 showing up, <a href="https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/myrtles-auction-not-one-bid/story-e6frea83-1111113261218" target="_blank">reported Adelaide Now</a>. 
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4) <a href="https://www.brockwilliams.net.au/buying/SA/Eastern-Suburbs/Lynton/House/1P0097" target="_blank">329 Belair Road, Lynton</a>
With an open for inspection this Sunday the 8th and Tuesday the 10th of December, this 1950s residence is home to the 'largest swimming pool in Adelaide'. Having been recently renovated to modern finishes, and located on three acres, the resort-style property also has extensive cellars "cut into the bed-rock".
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The pool is solar-heated, and it also comes with a gas-heated spa and a driveway with undercover carport that caters for up to 20 cars.
RP Data notes that the property last transacted in November 2010 for $2,780,000.
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3) <a href="https://www.brockwilliams.net.au/buying/SA/Eastern-Suburbs/Walkerville/House/1P0136" target="_blank">26 Wilsden Street, Walkerville</a>
This home, 'Telowry' was built in 1900 for former-South Australian premier Henry Ayers' grandson.
On 2,670 square metres, the five-bedroom, four-bathroom home has a number of fireplaces and traditional colonial features.
With a basement billiard room, which the listing notes was reported to be the 'original ballroom', a wine cellar and a tasting room, as well as a conservatory, it has a number of extra features worth a look.
The home also has a salt water solar-heated swimming pool and undercover parking for four vehicles.
It is currently asking for $2,900,000 plus. RP Data notes that it last sold for $675,000 in 1994.
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2) <a href="https://ouwenscasserly.harcourts.com.au/Property/541833/SOC5468/3-Chilton-Place" target="_blank">3 Chilton Place, Upper Sturt </a>
Offers closed this week for this $1,150,000 to $1,250,000 four-bedroom, four-bathroom house. It's the first time 'Chilton Estate' will have transacted in 40 years, and is surrounded by one acre of botanic gardens. It is located on five acres of land in total.
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It comes with a tennis court, lagoon inspired pool and four-person spa, a self-contained apartment downstairs, a teenage retreat, undercover parking for five vehicles, a 3,000 bottle wine cellar and wine bar, and a picnic area with a hut.
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1) <a href="https://www.toop.com.au/details.asp?id=16989" target="_blank">419 Glynburn Road, Leabrook </a>
Five-bedroom four-bathroom Dawley was built in 1905 for the Downer family. On a one acre block and 'for sale by tender' closing on December 18, it's not going to be around for long.
Including a swimming pool, rose beds and verandahs outside, as well as an original croquet lawn and sweeping grounds, it is said to have been one of the meeting places for Adelaide's high profile residents.
The home includes a downstairs retreat that was originally built as a servants area, store rooms and a generous cellar. An entertainment area with bi-fold doors, a deck and a cellar are also included, along with a reception room, a cloakroom, a heated spa and a large gazebo.
With land area of 4,092 square metres there are marquees are on the front lawns and garages.
It last sold in 1999 for $1,780,000.
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Bonus property on next page. Please click below.
 
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BONUS PROPERTY: <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-sa-north+adelaide-114830599" target="_blank">24 Brougham Place, North Adelaide</a>
Currently under contract, this 1890s beautiful Bluestone home is also known as 'St Margarets' and Adelaide City Heritage notes that the original owner was Arthur Waterhouse, the son of T.G. Waterhouse who owned Waterhouse Chambers. Waterhouse Chambers is the oldest shop in Adelaide.' T.G. Waterhouse was also involved in the establishment of the Bank of Adelaide.
Originally, the roof was made from slate, later to be replaced by corrugated galvanised iron. The heritage site also notes that the porch's mosaic floor is apparently from an excavation in Greece.
Expressions of interest for the seven-bedroom, three-bathroom home ended in October (hence why it is our bonus property).
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{module Which of these currently listed South Australian properties is your favourite?}
You might also want to see the Top Five in: <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/five-of-the-most-beautiful-homes-currently-on-the-market-in-victoria/2013112766650" target="_blank">Victoria</a> <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/step-inside-five-of-the-most-beautiful-residences-in-nsw/2013120166700?utm_source=po&amp;utm_medium=aida&amp;utm_campaign=editor%27spicksextra" target="_blank">New South Wales</a> <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/queensland/queenslands-five-most-beautiful-homes-on-the-market/2013120366766" target="_blank">Queensland</a>
<a target="_blank" href="mailto:jduke@propertyobserver.com.au">jduke@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
 
 
 
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jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

The beauties of South Australia: The five currently listed homes you have to see

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Sally-Ann and Michael James Calneggia, the owners of <a href="https://www.vitale.net.au/property.aspx?pid=285158&amp;rowNo=0&amp;searchstatus=fs&amp;acid=571" target="_blank">103 Forrest Street in South Perth</a>, are a renowned wine couple, and you can get your hands on their 1,000 bottle cellar and negotiate on the contents... provided you purchase the property first.
Michael 'Mike' Calneggia is the former owner of Selwyn Wines, former operations director at Evans and Tate Limited and former managing director at ASX Listed Australian Wine Holdings. He is currently the owner of Wine Shack and a consultant at Gaetjens Langley. He has been involved in the wine industry for more than 25 years, primarily in Western Australia.
<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/stories/2013/12/09/south-perth-dec-9-two.jpg" alt="south-perth-dec-9-two" width="470" height="118">
He has personal interests in several Margaret River vineyards, such as <a href="https://www.rosabrook.com.au/about-us/" target="_blank">Rosabrook</a>, and Coles currently has a <a href="https://www.coles.com.au/helping-australia-grow/aussie-made-and-grown/meet-our-farmers-and-growers/meet-our-growers/meet-the-calneggia-family" target="_blank">"Meet the Calneggia family" page</a>.
"Leading up to the establishment of Rosabrook as an exclusive Coles brand, Mike, Sally and their daughter Amy, who is marketing manager, spent a significant amount of time and effort to redesign and reposition the label," the site reads.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/BunkersWines" target="_blank">@BunkersWines</a> Twin Packs inc 2 btls wine for $30 make the perfect Christmas gift Email to order amy@wineshack.com.au <a href="https://t.co/XXkc0rci3t" target="_blank">pic.twitter.com/XXkc0rci3t</a> — Mike Calneggia (@WineShackOz) <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://twitter.com/WineShackOz/statuses/399736619579621377" target="_blank">November 11, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
The four-bedroom, four-bathroom home sits on 1,578 square metres of land and includes features such as a games room, gym, music room, vistas and heated pool. It is described in the listing as a "premier" and a once in a lifetime opportunity.
The 1,000 bottle cellar, with "contents by separate negotiation" is sure to interest those with a taste for fine wine, however, sadly, no picture is provided. The floorplan shows it is next to the gym and pool/change room area, right off of the entertainment space.
<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/stories/2013/12/09/south-perth-dec-9-one.jpg" alt="south-perth-dec-9-one" width="470" height="627">
While it is open to offer, Property Observer understands that it's likely to fetch between $5 million and $7 million. Agent Stephen Vitale from Vitale Fine Properties - Peppermint Grove notes that it is the second biggest single residential landholding in South Perth at 1,600 square metres. The biggest, a Mill Point Road South Perth home, at 1,670 square metres, is reportedly looking for offers of double that asked for this home.
Vitale notes that Forrest Street is one of the most prestigious in the area, and that 103 occupies the highest part at the top of the hill, providing it with an exceptional 270 degree outlook with views of the Darling Ranges to Perth City and Swan River.
Offers are open until 18 December 2013. Vitale had the vendor provide the above images of the cellar for Property Observer.
We'll drink to that.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/five-great-wine-storage-solutions/2013112766611" target="_blank">Five great wine storage solutions</a> - the best cellars ideas you'll likely ever see
Mornington Peninsula's <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/rural/mornington-peninsula-s-box-stallion-winery-for-receivership-sale/2013082264477" target="_blank">Box Stallion winery for receivership sale</a>
<a href="mailto:jduke@propertyobserver.com.au" target="_blank">jduke@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
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Wine couple's South Perth home listed, with 1,000 bottle cellar

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Those owning duplexes in ACT will now need development approval before they can be demolished or substantially altered, according to Minister for the Environment and Sustainable Development, Simon Corbell.
Where duplexes currently fell under exempt development rules, Corbell said that in response to community discussions this has now been altered.
"The unique character of duplexes means their demolition and alteration can have significant impact on the adjoining duplex," he said.
"Anyone wanting to demolish and rebuild a duplex or make major alterations will have to lodge a development application, which gives neighbours the opportunity to review the plans and make comments and ensures the planning authority can assess the proposal against current laws and standards to protect the amenity and integrity of the adjoining dwelling."
An example provided is to ensure the party walls are not left exposed to the weather or structurally unsound.
This brings duplex development proposals back to the 'default position' for the majority of developments.
Minor alterations will remain exempt in line with single dwellings, such as exterior refinishing, installation of chimneys and skylight installation.
This amendment is to s.1.100 and s1.100B of schedule 1 of the Planning and Development Regulation 2008.
<a target="_blank" href="mailto:jduke@propertyobserver.com.au">jduke@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
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Duplexes lose development exempt status in ACT

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An additional licence condition has been imposed on mortgage broker Australian Property Funding Group Pty Ltd, who trade as Award Mortgage Solutions and are Sydney-based, following an investigation by ASIC.
Concerned that they were not complying with their obligations as an Australian credit licensee, ASIC listed their particular concerns as the following:
- It did not properly assess and verify loan applications, leading to the potential for false documents being submitted to credit providers
- Disclosure documents were not always given to clients and when they were, often they could not be understood by borrowers for whom English is a second language, and
- It did not properly appoint, supervise and train its staff and credit representatives, particularly those based in a processing office in China.
The new condition requires the broker to have an independent consultant to review its compliance obligations under the NCCP Act 2009.
Responsible lending, general conduct, and the appointment, supervision and training of its Australian and overseas representatives, are all up for review.
ASIC deputy chairman Peter Kell said the results will be reported to ASIC and the broker will then implement any recommendations. These recommendations will be made over the next year and a half.
"All licensees must ensure that outsourcing arrangements do not diminish the licensee's ability to fulfil their obligations to customers, or to comply with financial services laws," said Kell.
"Outsourcing functions to overseas representatives can make it harder for licensees to ensure that these standards are met, and licensees should pay special attention to identifying and managing those risks when considering such a strategy."
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Extra licence condition imposed on Award Mortgage Solutions by ASIC

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A possible price guide ban in Queensland has been slammed by the Real Estate Institute of New South Wales (REINSW), who are saying it will prevent real estate agents and auctioneers from suggesting a price guide and disclosing a number of other important details.
The Property Occupations Bill and the Agents Financial Administration Bill 2013 are currently before Parliament, with plans for them to replace the Property Agents and Motor Dealers Act 2000 (PAMD Act).
Deputy president of REINSW, John Cunningham, said that the legislation would take away any of the transparency that currently exists around auctions.
“The new legislation, if passed, puts the onus squarely onto the buyer,” Cunningham said.
“This is something that buyers will respond very poorly to because they really want some form of guidance in regard to price. They rightly see us as the market experts and as such seek our professional expertise on market value. Rather than removing the option of providing price guidance all together we need to focus on the form and reliability of the information we offer."
He said that allowing a bidding guide as an option, outlining an opening bid price level, could be a solution. However, it would require regulation and specific criteria in relation to the agent's estimate of value provided to the seller in order to comply with current regulations, he said.
“Fundamentally the proposal before Queensland Parliament is turning the clock backwards,”  Cunningham concluded.
<a href="https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/Bills/54PDF/2013/PropertyOccupB13.pdf" target="_blank">Property Occupations Bill 2013</a> notes the following:
The auctioneer must not disclose to a person other than a person acting for the seller in relation to the sale—
(a) the reserve price set for the offered property; or
(b) an amount the auctioneer considers is a price likely to result in a successful or acceptable bid for the offered property; or
(c) a price guide for the offered property.
It further notes:
If the offered property is to be offered for sale by auction, the real estate agent must not disclose to a person other than a person acting for the seller in relation to the sale—
(a) the reserve price set for the offered property; or
(b) an amount the property agent considers is a price likely to result in a successful or acceptable bid for the offered property; or
(c) a price guide for the offered property.
Both carry a maximum penalty of 540 units.
Currently, <a href="https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/P/PropAgMoDA00.pdf" target="_blank">the rules are similarly restrictive</a> around reserve prices and disclosing what is likely to be an acceptable bid, however do not say that providing a 'price guide' is punishable.
This story follows another recently covered by Property Observer where the new bill will <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/queensland/qld-agents-no-longer-need-to-disclose-commissions-to-buyers-under-new-laws/2013112066505" target="_blank">not require any commissions to be disclosed to the buyer</a>.
How this may affect the commonly-discussed <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/take-that-price-guide-with-a-grain-of-salt-underquoting/2013112166539" target="_blank">issue of underquoting, that we recently provided an exclusive on</a>, is yet to be seen.
The bill has not yet passed and there may be some changes as a result of debate and consideration at this time in Parliament. They were introduced to Parliament on November 20, 2013.
 
Letter to the editor:
Having held an Auctioneers licence in Victoria, NSW &amp; Queensland, I have come to the opinion that the So- Called Experts who make changes to the rules are failing to take the the buyers interest into consideration. Buyers do have the right to be provided with an indicator as to the price range the property may possibly sell for. Reasons being firstly, to discover if it it is within their budget and secondly, they may be an outer area or interstate buyer with no idea of values or thirdly, need to organise finance prior to the Auction. Yes buyers do have the right to have a valuer or use RP Data to arrive at a buy price, but in my experience most buyers at Auctions are impulse buyers.
Auctions are the Number One selling method of property sales, so therefore price indicators should be permitted in all forms of advertising for Auctions.  The Seller and the Agent use the Auction System to create competition with potential buyers. How frustrating is it for the buyer who show interest if the So-Called-Experts take away the competition by not allowing price indicators. Keep up the good work.
- Denis Ring
 
If you have a comment, either write below or email:<a href="mailto:jduke@propertyobserver.com.au" target="_blank"> jduke@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
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New Queensland legislation to leave buyers without price guides: REINSW

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New statistics have found that those searching for shared accommodation across Australia is at an all time low, with Easyroommate’s data analysis of 20,000 users noting the significant drop.
Over October, those looking for a room in a share house fell to 14,000. This contrasts sharply to 25,000 in August.
Compared to last year’s October result, this is a 4,000 person drop.
Sebastiaan Ram, manager of Easyroommate, noted that this is partially seasonal despite it hitting a new low.
“We typically see a surge in people looking for a house share in August, with the numbers tapering off before the beginning of the student season, which commences in November and commences through to February,” said Ram.
“The surge can be attributed to people choosing to move before competition from students makes it harder to find a flatshare.”
Despite the fall in the number of people looking, those holding property with rooms to rent should also note that the supply of rooms available decreased, keeping competition for the asset consistently high.
The highest demand of this type of accommodation is in Sydney, then Perth and the Gold Coast.
The number of people per looking per room available currently sits at the following:
Brisbane: 2 Gold Coast: 2.5 Melbourne: 3 Perth: 2.5 Sydney: 5 Adelaide: 2
“Rent in the major cities can be very expensive, and so more and more people are choosing to move into shared houses. Despite there being less people searching for a room, competition is still relatively high in the main cities,” he said.
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Renters searching for shared accom at new low: Easyroommate

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Owned by the Hodgins family for over 100 years, <a href="https://www.harcourts.com.au/Property/542046/VHS4622/61-Graydens-Road" target="_blank">61 Graydens Road, Hastings</a> is a Victorian beauty asking for negotiations over $3,300,000.
The five-bedroom, three-bathroom home on 120 squares is a reproduction of historic mansion ‘Oak Alley’, a plantation mansion in Vacherie, Louisiana, located on the Mississippi River.
This plantation-style Hastings property is on 55 acres and includes a number of different luxuries from around the world.
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The building itself is circa 2001, with two kitchens, a lift, ducted heating, air-conditioning and a three-car garage.
With outbuildings including two factory style sheds over 1,700 square metres, the listing notes there are a number of storage and business opportunities with the property.
It was originally named The Bon Séjour or ‘Good Living’ in French and is <a href="https://www.bushypark.com.au/" target="_blank">now called Bushy Park</a>.
Expressions of interest close for the home on 28 February 2014. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6lTeT2L1tg"></a>
The original Louisiana mansion has had many celebrity experiences, including being the film location for Midnight Bayou, Beyonce’s Déjà vu music video, Night Rider, a Days of Our Lives segment, Primary Colors and the Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt film Interview with the Vampire.
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<a href="mailto:jduke@propertyobserver.com.au" target="_blank">jduke@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
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Historic Louisiana mansion replica in Hastings listed for $3.3 million plus

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Australia is running out of burial sites in a supply/demand equation that looks quite similar to that of property. In Sydney, 245,000 more burial sites will be needed by 2020 to accommodate an ageing population.
This leaves current capacity peaking at 2035 for Sydney.
Acacia Remebrance Sanctuary in Bringelly, near Liverpool in Sydney's South West Growth Centre, is a 10-hectare site now for sale.
<img alt="Acacia-dec-4-1" height="238" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/12/04/Acacia-dec-4-1.jpg">
Zinnia Group are the development company behind the project, and expressions of interest are now being taken for the sale of the natural burial and commemoration park.
The masterplan-approved park spans 10 hectares, with hopes to be operational by 2015.
<img alt="Acacia__dec_4_two" height="233" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/12/04/Acacia__dec_4_two.jpeg">
Selling burial plots and memorialisation are among the money-making potential avenues. A cafe, catering facilities, venue hire and funeral services are also potentials.
This has Deloitte Private estimating the potential earnings for the park over $250 million in 25 years.
“Demand for burial sites in Sydney is fast outstripping supply, with increasing pressure being placed on these key pieces of social infrastructure mainly due to our ageing population. Projections show that 245,000 additional burial sites will be required in Sydney by 2020 and that Sydney’s existing cemeteries will reach capacity by 2035,” said Zinnia Group founder and director Robert Itaoui.
"This, together with figures that show an increase of 89% in land values across Sydney’s six major cemeteries during the last 5 years – that's 12% per annum – underline the strength of Acacia as a unique and highly lucrative investment opportunity. As such we are confident the sale of Acacia will attract a great deal of interest,” Itaoui said.
The closing date for final offers is 5pm on February 28, 2014.
<a target="_blank" href="mailto:jduke@propertyobserver.com.au">jduke@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
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A deadset: Burial park potential for $250 million in 25 years return

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The ACT remains the most affordable state or territory to buy in, while New South Wales remains the least, however first home buyers appear hesitant across the board, according to the Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA).
REIA president, Peter Bushby, said that the latest Adelaide Bank/REIA Housing Affordability Report recorded an improvement in housing affordability when considering the proportion of income required to meet loan repayments. The amount decreased 1.2% to 29.8%.
Observer Terry Ryder<a target="_blank" href="/news"> recently noted that his thoughts around first home buyers</a>, particularly with statistics around affordability, is that they’re staying out due to choice. However, one reader commented that this was too simplistic a measure of affordability.
Bushby noted that all states and territories recorded this affordability improvement over the quarter. In Tasmania, the proportion sits at 24.6%, with the greatest drop of 1.6%.
“As we expected, due to the changes in the First Home Owner Grant introduced by the Victorian Government, the number of loans to first home buyers in the state had the biggest quarterly drop across the country,” he said.
“The consequences of the availability of the grant to those only purchasing new dwellings are abundantly clear in NSW and Queensland – the number of loans to first home buyers in these states is 46.7% and 34.5% lower than it was a year ago.”
South Australia and Western Australia saw strong increases in loans, excluding refinancing.
“For renters, it became slightly more affordable to rent in Tasmania, but in the Northern Territory, rental affordability fell further with renters paying well above the national average," said Bushby.
 
jduke@propertyobserver.com.au
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ACT most affordable, NSW the least: REIA

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Queensland properties on the upper-end are very different from those we’ve seen in Victoria and New South Wales. Largely waterfront, with a jetty, these mansions show another way of life and desirable qualities in a top end property, with many more being newer-style homes.
Here are our five picks of the most beautiful currently on the market. Some of them have open homes coming up this weeked.
You might want to read our <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/five-of-the-most-beautiful-homes-currently-on-the-market-in-victoria/2013112766650" target="_blank">top five from Victoria</a> and the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/step-inside-five-of-the-most-beautiful-residences-in-nsw/2013120166700" target="_blank">most stunning from New South Wales</a>.
 
5) <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.yong.com.au/9161023" target="_blank">4 Commodore Drive, Birkdale</a>
Asking for offers over $3,900,000 this five-bedroom, four-bathroom house appears to step straight into their swimming pool at the back. With ocean views, it’s built as an entertainer with a separate guest wing.
On 4,619 square metres and with second street access, having initially been on two titles, in total you can count five indoor and outdoor living areas.
It comes with a sauna, fireplace, powder room, electric gates, underground rainwater storage (125,000 litres), a saltwater swimming pool, irrigation system and a leasehold marina berth.
Apparently the owner, who has lived in Indonesia for a number of years, has given a bit of their own taste to the home with pillars, wide pagoda-style eaves and pavilions.
There is also a kermesse (formal dining pavilion that opens on three sides) featuring Indonesian architecture. Colonnaded walkways, one of which leads to the garage and the other to the billiards area, seem to typify this property.
It was listed at the beginning of October.
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4) <a href="https://www.eplace.com.au/property.cfm?propertyID=2499387&amp;realestate=12_Leura_Terrace_Hawthorne_QLD_4171" target="_blank">12 Leura Terrace, Hawthorne</a>
This four-bedroom, four-bathroom property with its own jetty and pontoon suitable for those with boats of up to 13.5 metres is a contemporary style home.
With one of the most incredible wine cellars we’ve seen (which, truth be told, definitely helped secure its place on this list), a personal lift, a cold room and basically everything electrical or automated you can think of – including a security system, smart wiring, C-Bus system, automated lighting and concealed electric blinds – it also has multiple verandahs and an aspect over two-kilometres of the river.
The rooftop terrace, while not currently fitted, is plumbed and engineered ready for a spa bath. A media room, entertainment room with built in bar and heated swimming pool are already in place.
It has a funky looking unashamedly modern frontage.
RP Data lists its land value in June 2013 to be $1,400,000. It’s up for viewing this weekend on Saturday.
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3) <a href="https://www.rwnoosa.com.au/1132878/" target="_blank">19 The Promontory, Noosa Waters</a>
With an open inspection this weekend, this home displays the bespoke architecture of Noosa-based architect Frank Macchia.
With a rooftop terrace, ‘Zen’ courtyards, a timber jetty and a twenty-five metre lap pool, this is a tightly designed home that packs a lot into its 962 square metres.
A stand-alone guest wing is also included, and there is a Japanese bath, a cocktail bar, a powder room and a cinema room.
RP Data notes that the property last sold in May 2009 for $4,075,000. It was built in 2004. Previous to the 2009 sale, it sold in October 2005 for $3,900,000. In September 2011 it was put on the market for $3.95 million and stayed there until November 2012 without sale.
It goes for auction in January with an inspection this weekend.
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2) <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.remaxbayside.com.au/8520893" target="_blank">39 Sentinel Court, Raby Bay</a>
Last transacting for $3,850,000 in July 2008, and for $1,150,000 in 2001, this five-bedroom, six-bathroom, five-car spaces property sits on 2,273 square metres.
The property is said to have a “porte-cochere” (a carriage gate), and botanical gardens. It also has 37 metres of quayline, with a 25 metre pontoon.
The property comes with separate guest quarters, an executive office (and a second office on the second floor), a pool and a spiral staircase.
It has clean lines with a cross between a resort and a classical modern mansion.
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1) <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house-isle-of-capri-qld-4217/185857" target="_blank">57 The Corso, Isle Of Capri</a>
With six-bedrooms, six-bathrooms and six lock up garage spaces, this property on the Gold Coast is on 2,197 square metres of land in ‘exotic gardens’.
With hand cut sandstone and Travertine floors, a butler’s pantry, a cold room, a billiards den in a private wing, a theatre, a gym, a Lanai bar, maid’s quarters, a wine cellar, a sauna and heated spa and a lift so you don’t need to walk to get to any of these extras, it certainly has most of the aspects you’d want. It also has a fixed jetty.
The pictures have a heavy holiday feel to them, with design obviously focused around creating the outdoor/indoor feel. It was listed in mid-November.
Any buyer wanting to land this property can expect it to be a multi-million dollar undertaking, with RP Data’s land value section noting $4,100,000 for June 2013.
McGrath notes council rates at $17,666 per annum and water rates at $1,804 per annum.
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{module Which of these is your favourite Queensland home?}
<a href="mailto:jduke@propertyobserver.com.au" target="_blank">jduke@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
 
 
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Queensland’s five most beautiful homes on the market

For most new apartment buildings, the Owners Corporation starts life with little more than a bank account and the first quarterly strata levies.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/9-gay-street-castle-hill-9-gay-street-castle-hill-nsw-2154">9 Gay Street</a> in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/castle-hill-nsw-2154">Castle Hill</a>, it starts with around $7 million in reserve.

It's an unusual legacy of what was once one of Sydney's highest-profile apartment remediation projects. When the development, originally known as Skyview and built by disgraced developer Top Place, came under scrutiny by then NSW Building Commissioner David Chandler, an $11 million remediation bond was negotiated to ensure any building defects could be fully rectified.

The building underwent an 18-month remediation program, during which around $4 million of that bond was spent bringing the building up to the standard it should have been in from the outset.

After extensive inspections, all active rectification orders have been lifted. What's more, around $7.2 million remains secured for the Owners Corporation for the next 15 years.

In a twist few would have predicted, what began as a significant concern for purchasers has left the building with something almost unheard of in the apartment market: a multi-million-dollar financial reserve from day one.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147685 project_image_fid=359136]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a> Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said the structure offers buyers a level of certainty that is difficult to replicate.

"The $11 million bond established for the Skyview Castle Hill development represents exceptional value, providing genuine financial security for purchasers," Huxley said.

"Unlike a standard insurance policy, this bond consists of real funds held in trust for the Owners Corporation, offering a tangible layer of protection and added peace of mind."

The apartments themselves have been designed with a focus on practical, contemporary living. Interiors feature Smeg appliances, stone benchtops, tiled living areas, carpeted bedrooms, 2.7-metre ceilings, floor-to-ceiling glazing, and ducted heating and cooling throughout.

Residents also have access to a range of shared amenities, including two rooftop barbecue areas, a swimming pool, children's playgrounds, secure building access, storage cages, and visitor parking.

The location continues to be one of the project's strongest drawcards. Castle Hill Metro Station sits virtually on the doorstep, providing direct connections across Sydney's expanding Metro network, while Castle Towers offers extensive retail, dining, entertainment, and service amenities within walking distance.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147685 project_image_fid=359127]

The building, now named after its location at 9 Gay Street, comprises a diverse mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments starting from just under $600,000.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett said demand in the Hills District continues to be driven by buyers seeking convenience and connectivity.

"Interest from both owner-occupiers and investors in Castle Hill remains exceptionally strong, with buyers consistently prioritising developments in close proximity to the Metro station and Castle Towers Shopping Centre," Hamblett said.

"There is a clear trend in the market, with purchasers seeking convenient access to transport and lifestyle amenities that support a seamless, low-maintenance way of living."

On top of the long-term protection afforded by the remaining $7.2 million bond, Equitifund is offering a limited-time stamp duty rebate on selected apartments.

Eligible purchasers can also secure finance options, including a 3.99 per cent two-year variable rate, loan-to-value ratios of up to 90 per cent, and interest-only lending options through EquitiCredit.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=147685]

Joel Robinson

Why this Castle Hill apartment building starts with a $7 million advantage

For much of the past few years, conversations about Australia's property market have centred on the rapid growth seen in Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Perth. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melbourne-vic-3004">Melbourne</a> has followed a different trajectory.

That relative underperformance is now encouraging some buyers to reassess the city, particularly those willing to look beyond short-term market movements and focus on quality property in established locations, along with the long-term growth prospects of a city expected to overtake Sydney as Australia’s most populous.

John Bekiaris, Research &amp; Market Insights at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Projects by Equitifund</a>, said Melbourne's current position is attracting increasingly sophisticated purchasers.

"Melbourne continues to present one of Australia's strongest long-term investment stories," Bekiaris says.

"While other capital cities have experienced stronger recent growth, that relative underperformance is exactly what's attracting sophisticated counter-cyclical investors."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363268]

Equitifund isn't just commenting on Melbourne's property market, it's investing in it.

The Sydney-headquartered capital partner has taken over the remaining apartments at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/victoriana-melbourne-20-queens-road-melbourne-vic-3004">Victoriana</a>, the recently completed glass-encased development opposite Albert Park Lake in Melbourne's tightly held St Kilda Road precinct.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> and built by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/hickory">Hickory</a>, Victoriana places residents between one of Melbourne's most recognised parklands and the CBD, offering oversized two and three-bedroom apartments aimed at owner-occupiers seeking a genuine alternative to a traditional family home.

The development comprises 232 completed residences alongside a suite of resident amenities, including a 25-metre indoor swimming pool, gymnasium, landscaped entertaining areas, resident lounges, EV charging, secure basement parking and a concierge-style arrival experience.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363229]

The apartments have been designed with owner-occupiers firmly in mind.&nbsp;Open-plan living and dining areas flow onto generous balconies framing views across Albert Park Lake, Fawkner Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Melbourne skyline.

Kitchens feature Gaggenau appliances, stone benchtops and generous preparation space. Bedrooms include built-in robes, while bathrooms feature full-height textured tiling. Hardwood flooring and ducted air conditioning complete residences designed for long-term living.

Rothelowman's architecture takes its cues from the landscape opposite the site. Sweeping horizontal glazing references the movement of Albert Park Lake, while generous balconies and expansive glazing strengthen the connection between the apartments and the surrounding parklands. The result is a building designed to deliver the scale and amenity expected of luxury apartment living, while offering the larger floorplans increasingly sought by owner-occupiers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363284]

The location is one of Victoriana's defining characteristics. Positioned on Queens Road, residents are directly opposite Albert Park Lake and within easy reach of Fawkner Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens, South Melbourne, St Kilda Road and the CBD. With few comparable development opportunities remaining in the precinct, buyers are increasingly placing value on outlooks that are unlikely to be interrupted by future construction.

Greg Huxley, Founder of Equitifund, believes those qualities become even more valuable over time.

"Premium real estate has always rewarded buyers who take a long-term view," Huxley said.

"Victoriana represents the kind of asset that's increasingly difficult to recreate today, particularly in an established location like Queens Road."

He said rising construction costs are also changing the way buyers assess completed developments.

"When you combine an irreplaceable location with thoughtful architecture and premium finishes, you create something that becomes increasingly difficult to reproduce as construction costs continue to rise."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363228]

According to National Sales Director Ben Hamblett, enquiry has been driven largely by Melbourne downsizers and buyers upgrading from smaller apartments.

"Interest in Victoriana continues to build, with strong buyer focus on the larger owner-occupier residences within the development," Hamblett says.

"Enquiry is increasingly driven by local buyers who recognise the rarity of what's on offer: park-facing apartments in an established neighbourhood where new development opportunities are becoming increasingly scarce. At Victoriana, the view is not just a feature; it's an appreciating asset in its own right."

He said interstate enquiry has also strengthened as buyers reassess Melbourne's position within the national property cycle.

"Melbourne currently stands as the most compelling entry point of any major Australian capital, and discerning buyers are beginning to recognise what those who move early always understand: the best opportunities are taken before the price rise confirms them."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=1979]

Why now is the time to buy in Melbourne's premium apartment market

Developers and apartment buyers have a narrowing window of opportunity before Brisbane's Olympic infrastructure pipeline begins competing directly with residential construction, pushing up costs, tightening labour supply and making new projects increasingly difficult to deliver.

While Brisbane's apartment market continues to benefit from strong population growth and limited housing supply, industry research suggests the years leading up to 2027 could prove to be the most important period for developers looking to secure builders and buyers hoping to purchase before the next wave of price increases.

A new Colliers report, Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games: Creating Solutions, highlights the scale of the challenge. While thousands of new homes are planned across South East Queensland, the Brisbane Olympic Athletes Village alone will deliver more than 10,500 beds during the Games before being converted into around 1,750 to 2,000 apartments. Equivalent to almost two years of typical inner-city apartment supply, the project will also absorb a significant share of the construction workforce and building materials.

The broader construction pipeline paints an even clearer picture.

Construction Skills Queensland's Horizon 2032 report forecasts Queensland's annual construction pipeline will average $69 billion over the coming years before peaking at $75 billion in 2027-28. Demand for construction workers is expected to increase by 17 per cent to almost 150,000 people, with the industry facing an annual shortfall of around 19,000 workers that could blow out to as many as 35,000 during the peak construction period.

The Olympic venues, athletes village and supporting infrastructure will account for billions of dollars worth of work across South East Queensland through to 2032, creating intense competition for labour at a time when Australia's residential construction sector is already under pressure.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=373834]

Colliers Queensland Residential Director Andrew Scriven said the convergence of these projects is creating a clear window of opportunity for both developers and buyers.

"From 2027 onwards, the market will shift dramatically," Scriven said.

"Labour will increasingly be locked into government-led infrastructure and Olympic projects, which means private residential developments will face higher costs and tighter margins. The developers who move now are the ones most likely to get projects off the ground."

Scriven said the same dynamic would also affect buyers, with fewer apartment projects expected to launch once construction capacity tightens.

"If you're looking to change your lifestyle over the next five years, now is your window of opportunity to buy."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150713 project_image_fid=373827]

Developers are already positioning themselves ahead of that window.

Following the success of Monarch at Toowong, Consolidated Properties is preparing to launch two new Brisbane apartment projects in the second half of 2026. They include <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/gloriette-30-bedivere-street-yeerongpilly-qld-4105">Gloriette</a> at Yeerongpilly Green, a 25-storey tower within one of Brisbane's key Olympic precincts, and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/castile-47-skyring-terrace-newstead-qld-4006">Castile</a>, a recently approved 25-storey riverfront development at 47 Skyring Terrace in Newstead.

Hutchinson Builders will deliver both projects, with early works already underway at Yeerongpilly and Newstead expected to commence later this year.

The timing comes as Brisbane's fundamentals continue to strengthen, with strong interstate migration, population growth and vacancy rates remaining below 1.5 per cent.

Colliers Queensland researcher Pragya Sharma said Greater Brisbane is forecast to require around 40,000 new apartments between 2021 and 2031.

"There's a real mismatch emerging between when housing is needed and when it will be feasible to build," Sharma said.

"As a result, the period leading up to 2027 presents a key window of opportunity for developers to secure approvals, funding and construction capacity, while buyers will have greater choice before supply constraints intensify."

Colliers research outlines a critical pre-2027 window to start residential projects before labour squeeze: now is the time to buy

Developers, buyers on watch in South East Queensland ahead of construction crunch: Colliers

It's taken less than nine months for developer Sherpa Property Group to sell out all 51 apartments in its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-oasis-palm-beach-7-9-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Oasis</a> development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/palm-beach-qld-4221">Palm Beach</a>, over a year before its anticipated completion.

&nbsp;

Located at 7-9 Sixth Avenue, the $67 million development has resonated strongly with both local owner-occupiers and downsizers seeking high-quality apartments within walking distance of the beach, dining precincts and everyday amenities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357458]

Christie Leet, Founder of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Group</a>, said the sell-out reflected both the strength of the Palm Beach market and the success of Sherpa's community-first approach to development.

"The sell-out of Oasis is a fantastic outcome and reinforces the strong demand we're seeing for thoughtfully designed apartments in lifestyle locations," Leet said.

"From the outset, our vision was to create a development that genuinely enhanced the Palm Beach community while providing residents with exceptional homes and wellness-focused amenities.

"We've been incredibly encouraged by the level of local support throughout the campaign, 72.5 per cent of buyers are locals, with a significant proportion of purchasers choosing Oasis as their future home rather than an investment."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357463]

Construction is now progressing following development approval, with trusted builder LPS Group delivering the project and completion anticipated in Q3 2027.

Oasis forms part of Sherpa Group's successful Flourish collection, which has become recognised for its focus on wellness, community and elevated coastal living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357469]

Residents will have private access to a rooftop amenity space featuring a pool, gym, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, spa and barbecue facilities.

"The success of Oasis demonstrates that buyers continue to prioritise quality, location and lifestyle," Leet said.

"We are proud to have delivered a project that has resonated so strongly with the market and look forward to bringing Oasis to life for our future residents."

Sherpa recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-palm-beach-1150-1160-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a>, its third instalment of the Flourish brand in Palm Beach following Flourish Oasis and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/amargo-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Amargo</a>.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151449]

Sherpa sells out Flourish Oasis in booming Palm Beach

Urban Property Group's <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/la-vera-macquarie-park-94-talavera-road-macquarie-park-nsw-2113">La Vera</a> is leading the next phase of Macquarie Park's residential evolution, with the new apartment development set to become the first of several new apartment projects in the precinct to complete.

The 169-apartment building has now topped out ahead of its scheduled completion in the third quarter of 2026, as new residential investment continues to reshape one of Sydney's largest employment hubs into a true mixed-use precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=368645]

Cox Architecture has designed La Vera to capture the best of its unique positioning on Talavera Road, orienting the building towards Lane Cove National Park.&nbsp;The building features a sculpted northern façade with flowing curves inspired by the surrounding landscape, while its city-facing elevation adopts a more structured architectural expression to maximise skyline views.

"The vision for the project was to conceive a building that adopted an organic and curvilinear form to the northern portion that faces the Lane Cove National Park," <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">Cox Architecture</a> Director Felipe Miranda said.

"The residents that reside in the northern portion of the building benefit by having beautifully crafted curved balconies that speak to the natural context and heighten the relationship of their internal living spaces to the external balconies."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=358802]

La Vera offers a diverse mix of one, two, three, and four-bedroom configurations, with prices currently starting from $740,000. Buyers so far have been a mix of Sydney-based investors,&nbsp;metro commuters, owner-occupiers and downsizers from surrounding North Shore suburbs.

Both investors and owner-occupiers have been drawn to La Vera's proximity to Macquarie University, Macquarie University Hospital, Macquarie Centre and the Sydney Metro, infrastructure that supports both strong rental demand and a convenient lifestyle for residents.

The apartments feature full-height glazing, timber flooring throughout living areas, stone kitchen benchtops, SMEG appliances, floor-to-ceiling bathroom tiling and ducted air conditioning.

Residents will have access to a rooftop recreation level featuring a swimming pool, sauna, barbecue facilities and landscaped relaxation areas, complemented by additional communal space at ground level. Many apartments enjoy uninterrupted views across Lane Cove National Park, reinforcing the project's connection to its natural setting.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=364551]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a>, a family-owned developer and builder with nearly four decades of experience, holds a 4.5-star iCIRT rating and was Australia's first developer to introduce 10-Year Latent Defects Insurance (LDI). La Vera is the first apartment development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/macquarie-park-nsw-2113">Macquarie Park</a> approved to offer the additional insurance protection, alongside a five-year warranty on SMEG appliances.

Urban Property Group CEO Patrick Elias said the additional protection reflects changing buyer expectations in the off the plan market.

"Consumers are a lot more weary and a lot more concerned in buying off the plan than they ever have been. Having LDI is a tool to portray the confidence that we have in our product, and a confidence we want buyers to share," Elias said.

Following completion of the building later this year, buyers will move into their apartments well before Christmas.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134951]

Jennifer Duke

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