<html><body>
Location Location Location Australia has returned to the Lifestyle Channel for its third season.
The premiere episode of the house hunting show saw co-host Bryce Holdaway lending a hand to South Australian retirees Genevieve and Trevor, while Veronica Morgan busily searched for a house for parents Michael and Naomi in Sydney.
Woollhara renters Michael and Naomi were after a house in Sydney's eastern suburbs, but had a long list of specifications that they had trouble budging on. With a $2.4 million budget, Michael, a partner at a law firm, and Naomi, a sales manager at Facebook, were after a family home that would fit their three kids and grumpy french bulldog, Winston.
The busy couple were hoping for a four bedroom house, with all four bedrooms on a single level to suit their young children. First, they tried a <a href="/news">Bondi</a> home on a narrow plot, with an unassuming facade and contemporary interiors. The open plan home with a $2.25 million price guide piqued their interest, but space and layout was an issue, requiring two of their three children to share a bedroom. Veronica encouraged the couple to stretch their expectations with a North Bridge family house on a large sloping plot. There was plenty of space for the children, but again, the bedrooms were split over two levels. Naomi and Michael noted the home felt "like a grown up house", and weren't quite ready to pack up and head to suburbia quite yet. They also visited a home in <a href="/news">Willoughby</a>, closer to the city and on a big corner block. But the renovated and extended period single storey home, with five bedrooms on a single level, didn't appeal to Naomi, despite its listing price of $1.9 million making it the cheapest of all the homes they visited. In the end, Veronica concluded that the couple would take the eastern suburbs or nothing, and showed Naomi and Michael a Willoughby stunner which had incredible views to the city. Although practicality was a major issue in the house, the couple were smitten. Unfortunately, other buyers were even  more exuberant on auction day, and Michael and Naomi didn't even get a bid in. The house was listed with $2.4 million expectations, and sold for $2.82 million. In Adelaide, Bryce was busy searching for a home for retirees and former vineyard owners Genevieve and Trevor. They had a price limit of $700,000 and were after a three bedroom, modern home close to the CBD. First stop was stone cottage in <a href="/news">Tranmere</a>. Listed for $645,000 to $665,000, the home had street appeal but the interior layout wasn't a winner, nor was the size. Bryce, noting the couple's need to compromise between size and location, pushed the couple further out, to the northern suburb of <a href="/news">Paradise</a>. There, Genevieve and Trevor saw a four bedroom renovated 1970s bungalow, with an outdoor deck and pool. Again, the couple wasn't blown away - Trevor was particularly unmoved by the house, which had an odd laundry and kitchenette installed in the fourth bedroom. So Bryce hauled in Veronica for some backup, and the pair found a home in <a href="/news">Walkley Heights</a>, 20 minutes from Adelaide's CBD. Though the new suburb is further out than Genevieve and Trevor initially wanted, he thought they might like the house itself - and he was right. The single storey home (pictured in the gallery above) with limestone frontage had open plan living areas, with an additional separate living space for Trevor to use as a "man cave". There was also a pool and a substantially sized garage. Sitting on a 731 square metre block, the house had plenty of space for visitors. According to the listing information, the home was built in 2006. Listed at $699,000, it was right at the couple's upper price limit, but they were clearly taken with the house from the get go. After gauging interest in the property, Bryce put in an offer with the real estate agent and the couple snapped up the home for $699,000. Genevieve and Trevor were thrilled with the result, and a follow up with the couple showed them very happy with their new purchase.
{module Did Genevieve and Trevor pay the right price for their home?}
</body></html>

jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

Third season of Location Location Location Australia premieres

<html><body>
Property investors are increasingly using self-managed super funds (SMSF) as low cost investment vehicles.  
But recent moves by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) serve as a helpful reminder to SMSF investors that nothing comes for free.  
ASIC issued three infringement notices to Esuperfund Pty Ltd for false or misleading online advertising. The online SMSF establishment and administration service provider has paid $30,600 in penalties after it ran advertisements and articles that misrepresented the costs and benefits of using its services or SMSFs.  The three statements ran between 31 January 2014 and 8 May 2014.
ASIC was concerned that one advertisement implied that Esuperfund clients would not pay any fees or costs when establishing a SMSF in 2014, while another article, entitled '9 Benefits of Setting Up A Self Managed Super Fund' misrepresented the costs associated with SMSFs in comparison to retail and industry superannuation funds.  
According to ASIC, a third advertisement falsely claimed that ASIC reviewed Esuperfund's operations yearly to make sure it was complying with its legal obligations.  
Esuperfund has now removed the statements from its website.  
Another SMSF service provider, Your Super Accountant, paid $2,040 after receiving an infringement notice for making potentially misleading statements about the costs of setting up a SMSF when using their services.  
Despite publishing claims on their website homepage that it was free to set up a SMSF with Your Super Accountant, investors were required to pay $200 upfront (20% of the annual administration fee) in order to be eligible for the "free" set up. The website homepage did not disclose that condition, or any others, when advertising the "free" service.  
ASIC noted that using a corporate trustee to set up a fund is never free.   According to ASIC deputy chairman Peter Kell, consumers should be on the lookout for services that advertise themselves as "free".
  "Some terms and phrases – such as "free" – have such a strong connotation for consumers that particular care should be taken so that investors are not misled," said Kell.  
"Setting up an SMSF is an extremely important financial decision and consumers should clearly understand the set up costs involved. ASIC has a particular focus on misleading claims that a financial product or service is 'free', as this may lead consumers to make inappropriate financial decisions," he said.  
Your Super Account has now amended the content on its website.
 
</body></html>

Nothing is free: Two SMSF services fined by ASIC for misleading claims

<html><body>
South Australians who are hoping to buy or sell property have been warned against dealing with unlicensed agent Shane Snellgrove.
According to South Australian Commissioner for Consumer Affairs Dini Soulio, Snellgrove's registration was cancelled in September last year and he is no longer licensed as a land agent.
“Mr Snellgrove is ineligible to be licensed because he was recently declared bankrupt  by order of the Federal Circuit Court of Australia," said Soulio.
He urges consumers who have outstanding dealings with Snellgrove as a land agent to contact Consumer and Business Services (CBS).
“CBS has identified that despite warnings, Mr Snellgrove has continued to operate as a land agent unlicensed and has advertised properties on his website shanesnellgrove.com.au.
“CBS is investigating the conduct of Mr Snellgrove, and speaking to witnesses.  The maximum penalty for acting as a real estate agent while unlicensed is $20,000.
“I would warn consumers not to engage Mr Snellgrove as there is a risk that if they suffer detriment, they may not be afforded the protections provided by the Land Agents Act.
 
</body></html>

Unlicensed agent alert: warning for South Australians

<html><body>
Property program Location Location Location Australia will be back on the Lifestyle Channel tonight with its third season.
The reality television show follows hosts Bryce Holdaway and Veronica Morgan as they help families searching for a new home.
Every episode, the intrepid hosts split up to help two different prospective buyers, who each have different requirements for their dream purchase.  Bryce and Veronica travel the country, searching for properties and negotiating purchases.
Location Location Location Australia doesn't focus on one particular type of buyer, but on a range of different house hunters, from first home buyers to downsizers and those moving on from difficult family circumstances. 
Tonight's episode will show Bryce searching for a house for retired Barossa vineyard owners who want to move to Adelaide and find an more modern home. Genevieve and Trevor are moving from a vineyard that's been in the family for more than 100 years, and are being forced to sell due to drought and the financial downturn.
Meanwhile, Vanessa is helping busy Sydney parents Michael and Naomi, who are renting a four storey Woollahra terrace with their young children (and one grumpy french bulldog called Winston). They're hoping to stay in Sydney's eastern suburbs.
The show's third season premieres at 8:30pm on the Lifestyle Channel. 
</body></html>

Location Location Location Australia returning tonight

<html><body>
A luxury apartment made it to the top of RP Data's 10 most expensive sales of the week.
The Pyrmont offering (pictured above) with 360 degree views fetched $7 million. However, there were a few other high profile sales that didn't make it onto RP Data's radar this week. There was the Professor Leslie Wilkinson designed Point Piper home of Charles Scarf and his wife Maria, which <a href="/news/30-million-professor-leslie-wilkinson-point-piper-trophy-home-sold-under-scarf-of-secrecy">sold for an unconfirmed price</a> after it was listed with $30 million plus hopes.
The sale of David Airey's <a href="/expert-insights/buying/south-yarra-then-templestowe-top-weekend-melbourne-auctions">South Yarra house for $3.8 million</a> also failed to get a mention, as did a three bedroom Mosman home <a href="/expert-insights/buying/mosman-price-shocker-tops-sydneys-weekend-auctions">which secured $3.23 million</a>. Mooloolaba's pink house was also one of the most expensive sales this week, <a href="/expert-insights/buying/fred-eagers-pink-house-mooloolaba-sells-for-3-8-million">with a $3.8 million price tag</a>.
Here are 10 of the other most expensive sales for the week ending 10 August, from RP Data.
<ol>
<li>
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.feldiproperty.com/6645103" target="_blank">59/56 Pirrama Road, Pyrmont, NSW </a> <img src="/images/2014/08/12/e1.jpg" alt=""> A Pyrmont penthouse topped this week's sales, attracting $7 million dollars when it sold through Feldi Property Agents. The three bedroom, four bathroom apartment has full panoramic views over the harbour, the CBD and Barangaroo. The unit, which is directly accessible via lift, comes with three car spaces and a 17 metre marina berth. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-templestowe-117412491" target="_blank">4 Winifred Court, Templestowe, Vic</a> <img src="/images/2014/08/12/templestowe_0000_1.jpg.jpg" alt=""> The Templestowe home of architect Phillip Mannerheim was sold for $3.35 million through Ray White Manningham. The house was originally listed with a $2.4 million price guide. Mannerheim substantially renovated the property, which now has four bedrooms, five bathrooms and five car spaces. He purchased the home in 2003 for $870,000. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-mount+eliza-116687087" target="_blank">5 Bay Avenue, Mount Eliza, Vic </a> <img src="/images/2014/08/12/e3.jpg" alt=""> This five bedroom, four bathroom house fetched $3.16 million when sold through Aqua Real Estate Mount Eliza. Set on a 2,619 square metre parcel, the home has panoramic views of Port Phillip Bay and Melbourne's skyline. The house's multiple living spaces include a formal dining room which opens onto an covered balcony on the upper level, and a ground-floor rumpus room with a full wet bar, open fireplace and direct access to the pool. Despite its lofty price, the vendors actually made a loss on the Mount Eliza home's sale - they purchased it for $3.4 million in 2011. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/rent/house-mcmahons-point-nsw-2060/41330" target="_blank">7 McManus Street, McMahons Point, NSW </a> <img src="/images/2014/08/12/e4.jpg" alt=""> McGrath Estate Agents handled the $3.1 million sale of this four bedroom, two bathroom Sydney home. The two storey house with views over Berrys Bay sits on a dual access block. Its master bedroom comes with a en suite with spa and direct courtyard access. The home is currently leased for $1,950 per week, yielding 3.27%. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.curranproperty.com.au/selling/NSW/Upper-North-Shore/East-Killara/House/1P0115" target="_blank">11 Fairlight Avenue, East Killara, NSW </a> <img src="/images/2014/08/12/e5.jpg" alt=""> A six bedroom, three bathroom house attracted $2.81 million through Curran Property Chatswood this weekend. The listing information states the three level home is "reminiscent of a classically inspired European estate", set over a 1,359 square metre plot. The home was purchased by the vendors 20 years ago for just $515,000 and was renovated by interior designers Hare and Klein in 2001. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.feldiproperty.com/10579533" target="_blank">3/56 Pirrama Road, Pyrmont, NSW </a> <img src="/images/2014/08/12/e6.jpg" alt=""> Another unit in the 56 Pirrama Road complex made it on RP Data's top 10 list this week. The three bedroom, two bathroom apartment at number 3 was picked up for $2.7 million, selling through Feldi Property Agents. It features hardwood floors in the living and kitchen areas, with carpeted bedrooms. Residents have access to the building's lap pool and gym. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-glen+waverley-117383623" target="_blank">21 Barbara Avenue, Glen Waverley, Vic </a> <img src="/images/2014/08/12/e7.jpg" alt=""> This five bedroom, five bathroom house sold for $2.5 million through Ray White Glen Waverley. The two storey home on a 809 square metre block has multiple indoor living spaces, with a tiled outdoor entertaining area. The listing information notes that the house is "metres from Glen Waverley Secondary College". The vendors paid $900,000 for the land and previous house on the block in 2012. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-mosman-117476495" target="_blank">16 Windward Avenue, Mosman, NSW </a> <img src="/images/2014/08/12/e8.jpg" alt=""> A Mosman home also fetched $2.5 million this week, selling through Harcourts Dunne Mosman. The three bedroom, two bathroom dual frontage offering is situated on the high side of Windward Avenue, adjoining to a bush reserve. Set on a 695.6 square metre block, the house features a balcony that runs the length of the house, a sauna, large study, a workshop and a double-lock garage. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-beecroft-117463887" target="_blank">8 Bangalow Avenue, Beecroft, NSW </a> <img src="/images/2014/08/12/e9.jpg" alt=""> Securing $2.4 million, this house sold through McGrath Estate Agents Epping. The former farmhouse has five bedrooms and three bathrooms, with outdoor entertaining areas and an in ground pool. The 1,492 square metre parcel has development approval for a two lot subdivision. The vendors paid $1,375,000 for the home in 2008. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-ivanhoe-117452027" target="_blank">45 Waterdale Road, Ivanhoe, Vic </a> <img src="/images/2014/08/12/e10.jpg" alt=""> This five bedroom, four bathroom contemporary home sold for $2,380,000 through Barry Plant Ivanhoe. The modern house on a 750 square metre plot is decked out with showy details, including double three metre waterfall stone island benchtops, two self-cleaning ovens, motorised drawers in the bedrooms and a 14 jet spa in the master en suite. The home also features a salt chlorinated pool and bluestone paved balconies.</li>
</ol>
Other high ranking sales for the week include 112 Jersey Road, Paddington (NSW), a <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-paddington-117430135" target="_blank">three bedroom home that sold for $2.37 million</a>, and 3 Park Road, St Leonards (NSW), <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-st+leonards-117568991" target="_blank">a 1912 four bedder</a> that fetched $2.35 million.
</body></html>

Luxury units stand out on most expensive sales of the week: RP Data

<html><body>
Last night, Australia was treated to the first round of bathroom reveals on The Block Glasshouse.
In one of the hardest tasks of the series (as host Scott Cam likes to remind us), each team was given one week to create the main bathroom of their office conversion apartment.
The week saw yet more delays, tradies in tears, and a particularly unsavory furniture upcycling challenge featuring a taxidermied deer head (the furniture world's Martin Margielas, our blockheads are not).
But it seems the hard work was worth it in the end, with the judges marveling at the bathrooms this season's  contestants managed to deliver.
Despite being cursed with a severed, taxidermied, hollowed out and illuminated deer head courtesy of Shannon and Simon, Chris and Jenna managed to wash the negativity away with their bathroom offering (pictured above, courtesy of Channel 9).
The Campbelltown couple, characterised as the "newbies" of The Block, earned a perfect score of 30 from judges Neale Whitaker (soon to join Vogue Living as editor-in-chief), Selling Houses Australia's Shaynna Blaze and interior designer Darren Palmer.
Some major tiling miscalculations saw the couple bring in a two metre wide mirror to cover up their error - a blessing in disguise, creating the illusion of an expansive space.
Continuing the theme set with the exposed beams in their guest bedroom, the team ran a metal pole (with a pipe tucked inside) across the entire length of their bathroom, which suspended their shower head (pictured below).
<img src="/images/2014/08/11/block2.jpg" alt="">
Picture courtesy of Channel 9. The second highest score of the night went to Darren and Deanne, whose bathroom was particularly popular with Darren (judge, not Jolly), pictured below.
<img src="/images/2014/08/11/blockd.jpg" alt="">
Picture courtesy of Channel 9.
Shaynna Blaze noted that their bathroom had a "provincial feel" translated to an urban setting, while Neale Whittaker said the bathroom held its own against some of the best bathrooms he's seen in his career as a magazine editor. The couple were awarded 28 points out of 30.
Their bathroom featured a medley of materials - with a plain plastered wall, a marble vanity, patterned floor tiles, a paneled wall and a wall covered with large white tiles. Maxine and Karstan redeemed themselves after failing to complete a room last week, scoring 26 points for their glossy grey bathroom, pictured below.
<img src="/images/2014/08/11/blockmax.jpg" alt="">
Picture courtesy of Channel 9.
Theirs was a particularly big space and Shaynna appreciated their extensive storage, which allowed access to the bedroom linen closet through the wall. However, the couple lost points for the lack of underfloor heating, which was seen in many of the other bathrooms.
Queensland couple Michael and Carlene coped with their pokey bathroom by building a raised platform with an in-built bathtub and open shower three steps above the floor level, pictured below. The judges all thought the couple's herringbone tile feature wall was worth the trouble (though their tiler who was pulling all-nighters alone for the majority of the week may not agree).
<img src="/images/2014/08/11/block%20michael.jpg" alt="">
Picture courtesy of Channel 9.
The raised shower was not so popular, with Shaynna concerned that wet, soapy steps would be unsafe for buyers and their children. Michael maintains that the tiles were fairly porous, and wouldn't be slippery. The couple was awarded 24 points for their effort.
Last week's winners took a tumble in the judges eyes - Simon and Shannon received the lowest score of the week, with 23 points. While their timber vanities were appreciated, there were a number of awkward points in the bathroom, including a hidden-but-not-so-hidden boxed-out cistern which reminded Shaynna of a public toilet (pictured below).
<img src="/images/2014/08/11/blockss2.jpg" alt="">
Picture courtesy of Channel 9.
The judges also noticed the absence of a bath in the main bathroom, noting that it felt more like an en suite (which is was, thanks to the door adjoining the bathroom to the guest bedroom, an idea the brothers pinched from Chris and Jenna).
This week, the teams will tackle two rooms - the second bedroom and study.
</body></html>

Block Glasshouse newbies reborn with perfect score

<html><body>
The median price of a house in Brisbane was $475,000 for the quarter to July, according to RP Data.
Brisbane house values were down 0.2% for the month, but increased 6.9% on a yearly basis. The Queensland capital had the third-strongest growth of any capital city in the country for the 12 months to July, behind Melbourne and Sydney.
Many people use median figures to set their price expectations for an area - but what does a $475,000 Brisbane house actually look like? Property Observer looks at the city's recent sales to see what the median price will get you.
<ol>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-mansfield-117265463" target="_blank">84 Pareena Crescent, Mansfield</a> <img src="/images/2014/08/11/1.jpg" alt=""> This three bedroom, two bathroom brick home sold for $477,000 in July. The house sits on a 546 square metre plot in the Mansfield High School zone. Two of the three bedrooms have built in robes, and the open plan living spaces feature pine cathedral ceilings. It was purchased by the vendors for $400,000. Price: $477,000 Bedrooms: Three Drive to CBD: 15 minutes 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-mitchelton-117290463" target="_blank">49 Glen Holm Street, Mitchelton</a> <img src="/images/2014/08/11/2.jpg" alt=""> Late last month, a three bedroom, one bathroom house secured $473,000 when sold in late July. The single storey home has built in wardrobes in all three bedrooms and the kitchen and dining area opens onto a covered entertainment area. The house is set on a 405 square metre block. Price: $473,000 Bedrooms: Three Drive to CBD: 15 minutes 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-deagon-116916459" target="_blank">60 Station Road, Deagon</a> <img src="/images/2014/08/11/3.jpg" alt=""> Another three bedroom, one bathroom house sold around Brisbane's median price last month, with this Deagon home attracting $482,500. The home has open plan living and dining areas, with an open fireplace and 10 foot ceilings. The home sits on a 450 square metre parcel, with a utility room and workshop tucked in the downstairs area of the house. Price: $482,500 Bedrooms: Three Drive to CBD: 25 minutes 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-keperra-117324855" target="_blank">45 Hermitage Street, Keperra</a> <img src="/images/2014/08/11/4.jpg" alt=""> This low set brick home has four bedrooms and one bathroom, selling for $475,000. The home's newly renovated kitchen, with the listing information stating that it was "barely used", separates two living areas. Set on a 628 square metre parcel, the home also includes a two car lockup garage. Price: $475,000 Bedrooms: Four Drive to CBD: 19 minutes 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-jamboree+heights-116682875" target="_blank">Jamboree Heights</a> <img src="/images/2014/08/11/5.jpg" alt=""> A three bedroom, one bathroom house 14 kilometres south-west of the Brisbane CBD sold for $469,500. The house, set on a 589 square metre block, backs onto council-maintained parkland. Outside, there is an entertainment deck and in-ground pool, while the backyard has direct gated access to the park. Price: $469,500 Bedrooms: Three Drive to CBD: 17 minutes</li>
</ol>
</body></html>

What does a median-priced house in Brisbane look like?

<html><body>
Is there such thing as a first home buyer hotspot?
If so, these 10 Victorian postcodes just might make the list. According to the State Revenue Office of Victoria, these areas had the most first home owner grant applications of any postcodes in Victoria for the quarter to June 2014.
<ol>
<li>Postcode: 3977 Suburbs: <a href="/news">Cranbourne</a>,<a href="/news"> Devon Meadows</a>, <a href="/news">Skye</a> Number of applications in June quarter: 200 
</li>
<li>Postcode: 3029 Suburbs: <a href="/news">Hoppers Crossing</a>, <a href="/news">Tarneit</a> Number of applications in June quarter: 177 
</li>
<li>Postcode: 3030 Suburbs: <a href="/news">Point Cook</a>, <a href="/news">Werribee</a>, <a href="/news">Derrimut</a> Number of applications in June quarter: 110 
</li>
<li>Postcode: 3064 Suburbs: <a href="/news">Craigieburn</a>, <a href="/news">Donnybrook</a>, <a href="/news">Roxburgh Park</a>, <a href="/news">Mickleham</a> Number of applications in June quarter: 110 
</li>
<li>Postcode: 3754 Suburbs: <a href="/news">Doreen</a>, <a href="/news">Mernda</a> Number of applications in June quarter: 84 
</li>
<li>Postcode: 3750 Suburbs: <a href="/news">Wollert</a> Number of applications in June quarter: 59 
</li>
<li>Postcode: 3810 Suburbs: <a href="/news">Pakenham</a>, <a href="/news">Rythdale</a> Number of applications in June quarter: 58 
</li>
<li>Postcode: 3978 Suburbs: <a href="/news">Cardinia</a>, <a href="/news">Clyde</a>, <a href="/news">Clyde North</a> Number of applications in June quarter: 58 
</li>
<li>Postcode: 3338 Suburbs: <a href="/news">Melton South</a>, <a href="/news">Brookfield</a>, <a href="/news">Eynesbury</a>, <a href="/news">Exford</a> Number of applications in June quarter: 51 
</li>
<li>Postcode: 3000 Suburbs: <a href="/news">Melbourne</a> Number of applications in June quarter: 50</li>
</ol>
</body></html>

Where are Victorian first home owners applying for grants?

<html><body>
When it comes to purchasing a home, everybody wants a bargain - especially first home buyers.
If your "dream suburb" is now a dot on the horizon and you can't tighten your belt any further, it might be time to get creative.
The term "below market value" has a pretty stretchy definition and depends entirely on what people think a property should be worth - whether that person is a valuer, a lender, the vendor, or you. If you're hoping to buy a property "below market value", you're probably actually just after a home than what's expected for a property of that quality in that area, or for a lower price than you might have gotten it earlier. 
Under certain circumstances neither of those situations is desirable. If you're getting a property cheaper than any other on the street because it's falling apart, or because a new set of apartments is about to go up next door, you might be in for a dud. Similarly, if prices have fallen in a suburb over the past year, it might be because demand is falling away and unlikely to recover in the future.
Investors, owner occupiers and buyer's agents all have their own tricks for buying a property below what you would expect. They might keep an eye out for discounted homes, mortgagee sales, or off-market opportunities.  But before you snap up the next house in receivership you see online, or convince yourself that the dilapidated shack for sale is a below market value bargain, beware: sometimes it can be hard <a href="/expert-insights/investing/how-to-find-property-bargains-and-not-lemons-in-the-current-market">telling a bargain from a lemon</a>. 
If you want to buy a property "below market value", make sure it's still good value. Here are some strategies used to get a home for less than you'd expect.
<ol>
<li>
Mortgagee sales A mortgagee sale occurs when a property is possessed by a lender after the borrower can't repay their debts. If you head to a mortgagee auction, chances are you're buying a property that the bank wants off it's hands. However, that's no guarantee that you'll get a bargain basement price for the property. While the lender would probably prefer not to hold the property, they're also attempting to recover the money owned to them during the sale, and have an obligation to the defaulting borrower to sell their property at a fair value. However, a mortgagee sale can still sometimes provide good opportunity for bargain hunters. As Brad Caldwell-Eyles writes, most mortgagees will steer clear of fancy marketing strategies when selling a property, opting instead for straight shooting listing information - which might just mean it gets passed over by your competitors. 
</li>
<li>
Distressed sellers and deceased estates A "distressed seller" is exactly what it sounds like - a seller that has some sort of extra motivation to sell due to life circumstances. They could be ill, in financial trouble or leaving the country, and willing to sell their property at a loss, which is good news for you. For distressed sellers, time usually has a high dollar value, which you can use to your advantage. Sellers are under no obligation to advertised that they are "distressed", so if they are, it may mean they are particularly desperate to get rid of a property. Similarly, some executors are more interested in getting a property out of their hair than making money. Perhaps they can't afford ongoing advertising fees, or would just like to move on with their lives. Some websites, such as National Mortgagee and Deceased Estate Data, list only properties that are on the market from mortgagees, distressed sellers or housing authorities. Beware "discount" homes that have been languishing on the market. While you might find a property that's had its price cut by 70% since listing and has stood on the market for three years, it could be because the agent isn't doing their job and you've spotted an under-marketed gem. Or you could be getting sucked in by a property with an initial listing price triple what it deserves, that nobody else is touching because it's a dud investment. Proceed with caution. 
</li>
<li>
Spot the faults While searching for a home, you should always be on the lookout for any flaws or faults. Not only will it save you for buying a dud, but it could help you bring down the overall cost of the property. If you can get to the negotiation phase of a sale armed with a builder's inspection or a pest inspection document that shows the property is less than ideal, you could use those flaws to your advantage. This is also your opportunity to get creative. If there's a pile of rubbish on the property that the elderly seller has promised to get rid of before the settlement date, you could agree to take the property with the rubbish, with the cost of labour cut out of the sales price. Your elderly seller might have just saved themselves the trouble of organising labourers, and you've just exchanged some money for an afternoon of your time. Of course, it almost goes without saying - don't romanticise property problems. If you think you can use the leaky roof to negotiate down the sales price of your purchase, think first: do you really want a house with a leaky roof? Fixing problems down the line can often be more expensive than you anticipate at first, so only purchase if you're sure you can handle making improvements. 
</li>
<li>
Negotiate your terms There are two major aspects to a sale - the price and the agreed terms. If you make the terms good enough for your vendor, they may just be willing to move on the cost. For example, if you know your vendor is under time constraints and just wants to get rid of the property, getting in before the auction date and cutting the settlement time or waiving your cooling off period could be very valuable. Not only do such moves help your hurried vendor, but they also signal to the agent that you're confident and ready to make a purchase. To some, a first home buyer in the hand is worth more than 10 at auction next month.</li>
</ol>
Buying any first home is difficult, but buying a decent investment for a cheap price is even harder. Remember, a sale isn't all about you - it's about the seller, too. Keep them in mind and you could be securing a great home for less than you expect.
</body></html>

First home buyer how to: Buying a property below market value

<html><body>
Whether we're trying to figure out just how rich our rich and famous are, or trying to spot some cringeworthy decor to appeal to our sense of schadenfraude, celebrity homes always manage to catch our attention.
In the spirit of healthy voyeurism, this week's Friday trivia is devoted to the terrific, the tragic and the banal - celebrity homes.
Can you guess the famous past and present owners of these homes?
<ol>
<li>Which famous ballerina is packing up her Vaucluse home after moving back to London? <img src="/images/2014/08/08/vaucluse_0000_1.jpg.jpg" alt=""> 
</li>
<li>A particularly musical couple now owns this stand out Californian home. <img src="/images/2014/08/08/q2.jpg" alt=""> 
</li>
<li>This Byron Bay hinterland home didn't sell when it was put on on the auction block earlier this year. <img src="/images/2014/08/08/q3.jpg" alt=""> 
</li>
<li>A flaxen-haired celebrity couple haven't exactly aced the sale of their Palm Beach retreat. <img src="/images/2014/08/08/palm%20beach_0000_1.jpg.jpg" alt=""> 
</li>
<li>Another blonde listed this California estate last month - legally, of course. <img src="/images/2014/08/08/5.jpg" alt=""> 
</li>
<li>This Hope Island home was listed last month by Australia's Daytime TV Queen. <img src="/images/2014/08/08/6.jpg.jpg" alt=""> 
</li>
<li>A former Miss Universe paid $4 million for this view. <img src="/images/2014/08/08/7.jpg" alt=""> 
</li>
<li>Which Scorsese favourite and water pistol enthusiast owns this Palm Springs John Lautner home? <img src="/images/2014/08/08/8.PNG" alt=""> 
</li>
<li>An international couple with Australian roots flipped this Hollywood home earlier this year, making around US$15 million in the deal. There's no need for the money in the banana stand. <img src="/images/2014/08/08/9.jpg" alt=""> 
</li>
<li>A music star wasn't happy the initial $12 million asking price for his Miami penthouse, bumping up the price guidance earlier this year. <img src="/images/2014/08/08/10.jpg" alt="">
</li>
</ol>
 The answers are on the next page.
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
How well do you know the homes of the rich and famous? 
<ol>
<li>Which famous ballerina is packing up her Vaucluse home after moving back to London? <img src="/images/2014/08/08/vaucluse_0000_1.jpg.jpg" alt=""> This Vaucluse mansion has been listed by <a href="/news/staying-back-in-london-so-darcey-bussell-lists-vaucluse-home">classical ballerina Darcey Bussell</a>. 
</li>
<li>A particularly musical couple now owns this stand out Californian home. <img src="/images/2014/08/08/q2.jpg" alt=""> This Incredibad mansion was recently snapped up by Brooklyn 99 star <a href="/news/from-incredibad-to-chaplins-pad-andy-samberg-and-joanna-newsom-buy-legendary-hollywood-home">Andy Samberg and musician Joanna Newsom</a>. 
</li>
<li>This Byron Bay hinterland home didn't sell when it was put on on the auction block earlier this year. <img src="/images/2014/08/08/q3.jpg" alt=""> The Block co-host <a href="/news/shelley-craft-yet-to-sell-byron-bay-home">Shelley Craft attempted to sell</a> her Byron Bay Hinterland home in July. 
</li>
<li>A flaxen-haired celebrity couple haven't exactly aced the sale of their Palm Beach retreat. <img src="/images/2014/08/08/palm%20beach_0000_1.jpg.jpg" alt=""> This Palm Beach home belongs to <a href="/news/lleyton-hewitt-adjusts-palm-beach-holiday-home-price-net">Bec and Lleyton Hewitt</a>. 
</li>
<li>Another blonde listed this California estate last month - legally, of course. <img src="/images/2014/08/08/5.jpg" alt=""> <a href="/news/elle-woods-farewells-brentwood-reese-witherspoon-lists-home">Reese Witherspoon listed her home</a> with a $14 million price tag. 
</li>
<li>This Hope Island home was listed last month by Australia's Daytime TV Queen. <img src="/images/2014/08/08/6.jpg.jpg" alt=""> This home has been listed by <a href="/news/kerri-anne-kennerley-lists-hope-island-retreat">national treasure Kerri-Anne Kennerley</a>. 
</li>
<li>A former Miss Universe paid $4 million for this view. <img src="/images/2014/08/08/7.jpg" alt=""> Model <a href="/news/jennifer-hawkins-spends-4-million-on-newport-waterfront">Jennifer Hawkins picked up this property</a> and the adjoining plot after selling her North Curl Curl home. 
</li>
<li>Which Scorsese favourite and water pistol enthusiast owns this Palm Springs home? <img src="/images/2014/08/08/8.PNG" alt=""> <a href="/news/the-wolf-of-hermosa-place-leonardo-dicaprio-picks-up-palm-springs-holiday-home">This desert trophy home is owned by Leonardo DiCaprio</a>. Lautner's work is loved by Hollywood types, both fictional and real - his homes have been in <a href="/news/friday-trivia-can-you-guess-which-films-made-these-homes-famous">famous films</a>, and Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow purchased a Lautner-designed Malibu home before they split. 
</li>
<li>An international couple with Australian roots flipped this Hollywood home earlier this year, making around US$15 million in the deal. There's no need for the money in the banana stand. <img src="/images/2014/08/08/9.jpg" alt=""> Portia de Rossi and Ellen DeGeneres bought this home early this year for US$39.89 million, before selling it for a reported $55 million sum to Napster founder Sean Parker. 
</li>
<li>A music star wasn't happy the initial $12 million asking price for his Miami penthouse, bumping up the price guidance earlier this year. <img src="/images/2014/08/08/10.jpg" alt=""> This penthouse pad was <a href="/news/pharrell-not-happy-with-12-million-as-he-bumps-up-listing-price-on-miami-penthouse">listed by musician Pharrell</a>.</li>
</ol>
 
 
</body></html>

Friday trivia: Celebrity homes

The residential transformation of St Kilda Road is set to continue into with more new apartment plans for the sought-after boulevard.

Wing Tai Asia has lodged plans for a major residential tower at 464-466 St Kilda Road, replacing the former VACC House with an 18-storey mixed-use development designed around a retained heritage podium and a sculpted contemporary tower.

The proposal, prepared under Victoria’s Significant Residential Development with Affordable Housing pathway, would deliver 325 apartments and ground-floor retail across the prominent 4,653 sqm boulevard site in Melbourne’s St Kilda Road North Precinct.

The project centres on the adaptive reuse of the site’s heritage-listed VACC Building, an eight-storey office designed by Bernard Evans that has occupied the address for decades. Planning documents state the development would involve “carefully dismantling and conserving off-site the original metal fabric of the podium visible from St Kilda Road,” before reinstating it as the defining frontage of the new scheme.

Above the restored podium, Wing Tai is proposing a curvilinear residential tower. The scheme includes 172 one-bedroom apartments, 63 two-bedroom apartments, 66 three-bedroom apartments, and 24 four-bedroom apartments, alongside two ground-floor food and beverage tenancies fronting St Kilda Road.

The tower has been designed with substantial articulation and variable setbacks to minimise perceived bulk and maintain view corridors along the boulevard. Urbis, which prepared the planning report, said the design “has been significantly articulated through a curvilinear design” with “an interplay with materials, façade expression and depth” to create visual separation and visual interest.

The proposal also includes 254 basement car spaces, landscaped pedestrian links connecting St Kilda Road and Queens Lane, and a biophilic landscape strategy featuring canopy trees, raised planters, cascading greenery and a glass oculus pool overlooking the eastern frontage.

Planning documents confirm the $270.1 million development will contribute 3 per cent of project costs to the Social Housing Growth Fund as part of the application process.

Wing Tai acquired the St Kilda Road property in 2018 alongside Abacus Property Group for $95.38 million, before later consolidating ownership of the site. The property previously served as the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce headquarters for around 60 years.

The transformation of the St Kilda Rd boulevard is already beginning to materialise, with a number of high-profile projects recently completed, launched, or approaching launch as developers continue to back the long-term appeal of the precinct.

Among the most notable recent completions is Louise by Samuel Property Group, just off the strip on Queens Lane, the same pocket Hirsch &amp; Faigen recently launched The Queensbury. Mirvac is too on the same street with The Albertine, which is approaching completion.

Dexus recently secured approval for its slice of St Kilda Road, while Gurner also has approved plans for the precinct.

Joel Robinson

Wing Tai unveils 325-apartment St Kilda Road tower on former VACC House site

Malaysian developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> is the latest to jump into St Leonards booming Transport Oriented Development precinct.

The developer, which has previously delivered Sapphire by the Gardens apartment development in Melbourne, identified the Atchison Street site in 2023. It filed a Scoping Report around 12 months ago, and now has revealed the designs for the new&nbsp;40-storey mixed-use tower.

The State Significant Development Application covers <a href="https://next-portal.urban.com.au/projects/14650/summary">20-22 Atchison Street</a>, a 1,374 sqm site positioned between St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the project would deliver 181 apartments, above a four-storey commercial podium, five basement levels, and new public domain works along Mitchell Street. The apartment mix comprises 35 one-bedroom apartments, 39 one-bedroom-plus-study apartments, 85 two-bedroom apartments, and 22 three-bedroom residences.

The proposal has been lodged as a shop-top housing development under the NSW Government’s TOD planning pathway, which allows increased density around key transport infrastructure. The site sits within the recently rezoned Crows Nest Accelerated TOD Precinct.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b799673d-48e2-46b0-801a-0e33a9330100" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20site.png?VersionId=dPh0UfwfaHpbFL1R7H1cbZNbIW0CHbCC" />

SP Setia acquired the Atchison Street site as part of its continued expansion into the Australian apartment market. In comments made to City &amp; Country (The Edge Malaysia) in 2023, SP Setia President and CEO Datuk Choong Kai Wai described the acquisition as “a strategic move” aligned with the group’s post-pandemic market recovery strategy.

“Our target for this exceptional development is local and overseas buyers, including first-home buyers, downsizers and investors,” Choong said.

The tower has been designed as a slender vertical form rising from a mixed-use podium, with COX Architecture positioning the development as a response to the evolving St Leonards and Crows Nest skyline.

“The purpose of the project is to facilitate the delivery of high-quality housing at a strategically located site and deliver a built tower outcome that is consistent with the desired future character of St Leonards and aligns with the TOD controls,” the design report stated.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1a85eee-76f7-436c-a6da-73ba827b9b13" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20entry.png?VersionId=dA9jHGPMcm.dDbwk4QfxqWiY5bfh3UVt" />

The podium would incorporate retail uses fronting Atchison Street, commercial tenancies, landscaped communal areas, and pedestrian improvements along Mitchell Street. Vehicle access and loading would be consolidated via Atchison Lane.

Residents would have access to more than 665 sqm of communal indoor and outdoor spaces, while the development proposes 96 parking spaces across five basement levels.

The proposal also includes a commitment for 10 per cent of residential floor space to be allocated toward affordable housing through a monetary contribution.

COX said the tower form responds directly to the emerging high-density character of the precinct while seeking to maximise solar access, cross ventilation, and outlook from apartments.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2163f85c-f63b-4be3-aafa-f8763976cec5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_5.png?VersionId=WiAmtIKJ6.ZQ41EtYEQ1fol7AeorKBlL" />

“The building is orientated towards north,” the Apartment Design Guide compliance report noted, adding that the tower’s slim form was driven by the constrained inner-urban site dimensions.

The design also incorporates landscaped setbacks and communal open space at podium level, intended to soften the interface with surrounding streets and improve pedestrian amenity.

The project adds to a growing wave of redevelopment proposals reshaping St Leonards and Crows Nest following the opening of the Sydney Metro City line and the NSW Government’s push for higher-density housing around major transport nodes.

Last week Stockland filed plans just down the road. They want to build a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/601-pacific-highway-st-leonards-nsw-2065">52-storey tower on Pacific Highway</a>.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">First look: Stockland plans 52-storey, 538-apartment St Leonards tower&nbsp;</a>

First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has revealed plans for a new mixed-use tower at 10 Dangar Street, Wickham, advancing a proposal that would reshape the southern gateway to Newcastle’s city centre with one of the city’s tallest residential buildings.

The State Significant Development proposal, now on exhibition, seeks approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bowline-10-dangar-street-wickham-nsw-2293">43-storey tower</a> immediately adjacent to the Newcastle Interchange. The project would deliver around 200 apartments, including 42 affordable housing dwellings, alongside 99 co-living units, a 171-room hotel, retail space, and new public domain integrated through the site.

The scheme marks a significant escalation of plans previously approved for the site. Urban Property Group took over the prominent 2,904 sqm parcel, where excavation and demolition had already commenced under an earlier consent for a 14-storey mixed-use development.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="58a96dd9-407f-4d20-86b4-94e4bfeef74b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20podium.png?VersionId=LGlf08pdFGAZDzvx_CXC4XakHNZRuEE0" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, the tower has been conceived as a landmark transit-oriented development anchored to the Newcastle Interchange precinct. The proposal includes 245 build-to-sell apartments across a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom residences, as well as two penthouses. Fifteen apartments and one operational unit are earmarked for NDIS housing. The co-living component would add a further 99 units, while the podium would accommodate retail uses and hotel facilities.

SJB said the site presents “a valuable opportunity to anchor the precinct by setting the standard for design, active ground planes and character at the key southern gateway.”

The architecture responds directly to the site’s position beside major transport infrastructure and within one of Newcastle’s fastest-evolving urban renewal precincts. The tower form sits above a sculpted podium designed to frame new public spaces, including a through-site pedestrian link connecting Station Street to Hannell Street, landscaped plazas, and activated retail edges.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a7bd6ff0-f7db-4ce8-a6dc-ea56e72c6149" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20lanne.png?VersionId=xzf39VADyhj7zBQY2I9fx9vI62u2tuSb" />

The design report describes the project as part of the broader transition of Wickham into “a vibrant, high-quality mixed-use urban precinct” that leverages proximity to the station, open space, and regional connectivity.

A detailed public art strategy has also been prepared for the development. The strategy positions the project as “a transit-oriented development of state significance at the gateway to Newcastle’s city centre” and outlines a series of integrated artworks responding to Newcastle’s industrial and transport heritage.

Creative Road’s curatorial framework for the project, titled Unveil, draws on “stratified surfaces, carved volumes, and light-filled apertures” while referencing Newcastle’s transformation from an industrial city into a contemporary education and technology hub.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77a882bb-14b1-4d28-99ff-9438e39508c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20site.png?VersionId=cevgo_vN0eKPK78P8YcEu3mKPLkpFqE7" />

The proposal is being advanced through the NSW Housing Delivery Authority pathway after being declared State Significant Development in June 2025. The accompanying scoping report states the development aims to “maximise the site’s proximity to the Newcastle Interchange by delivering transit-oriented development” while increasing housing supply and affordable housing provision within the Newcastle LGA.

Urban Property Group’s plans align with the long-term strategic vision established under the Wickham Master Plan, which identified the interchange precinct as suitable for substantial uplift in height and density. The current proposal would significantly intensify that vision, positioning the tower among the tallest developments proposed for Newcastle.

The site sits immediately north of the Newcastle Interchange, bounded by Dangar Street, Hannell Street, and Charles Street. It is surrounded by a rapidly growing cluster of residential towers and mixed-use projects that have emerged following the completion of the light rail and transport interchange.

First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s latest tower at Wickham interchange

Bottega House has completed settlement of a landmark riverfront site in Macquarie Street, St Lucia, representing its first major Brisbane development.&nbsp;

Positioned on the banks of the Brisbane River, the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/180-macquarie-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">premium site at 180 Macquarie Street</a> features uninterrupted river frontage in one of Brisbane’s most tightly held residential precincts.&nbsp;

The proposed development, currently under assessment with Brisbane City Council, has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> and will deliver a boutique collection of premium residences positioned specifically for owner occupiers and downsizers.&nbsp;

The residences are set to redefine luxury apartment living in the area, with a focus on architectural quality, refined finishes, landscape integration and elevated amenities including curated wellness facilities, resort-style pools and recreation spaces rarely seen in the local market.&nbsp;

Exclusive sales for the project will be led by Keenan &amp; Byrne, ahead of an anticipated launch later this year.&nbsp;

Bottega House Managing Director Nick Malloch said the project reflects the group’s ambition to deliver a highly curated residential offering within one of Brisbane’s most tightly held precincts.&nbsp;

“This is an incredibly rare riverfront opportunity and one we have approached with a long-term perspective,” Malloch said.&nbsp;

“Our vision from the outset was to create a boutique collection of residences that feel more like private homes than traditional apartments, with generous proportions, refined finishes and exceptional amenity throughout."

Malloch says there is a&nbsp;lack of premium owner-occupier stock of this quality in the market, particularly for downsizers wanting space, privacy and a true lifestyle offering without compromise.&nbsp;

"Demand is expected to be strong given the scarcity of premium riverfront opportunities of this nature within Brisbane’s inner-west."&nbsp;

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

<section data-scroll-anchor="false" data-testid="conversation-turn-6" data-turn="assistant" data-turn-id="request-WEB:84a2af5e-d7cf-4ddf-922a-f4d44d6c6caa-2" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:84a2af5e-d7cf-4ddf-922a-f4d44d6c6caa-2" dir="auto">
<section data-scroll-anchor="false" data-testid="conversation-turn-2" data-turn="assistant" data-turn-id="request-WEB:5a5ab36c-8dd3-454c-b456-c501f22f0eb4-0" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:5a5ab36c-8dd3-454c-b456-c501f22f0eb4-0" dir="auto">
The arrival of the first piling rig officially marks the commencement of construction at SIERA’s new beachside apartment development, Exhale, in Northcliffe.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/exhale-surfers-paradise-8-enderley-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Exhale</a>, a glass-encased tower featuring 54 large-scale apartments at 8 Enderley Avenue, is SIERA’s third Gold Coast development. It follows the recently completed PIPIS Bilinga beachfront project, which achieved suburb-record prices, and the soon-to-be-completed Chevron Island development, Tapestry.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359603]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/siera">SIERA</a> Founder and Managing Director Brent Thompson said the arrival of the piling rig represented a significant milestone for the development, which is scheduled for completion in late 2028.

Over the next month, around 260 piles are expected to be installed as work progresses on the basement structure. The building is anticipated to rise above ground level early next year, before unveiling its sculptural glass curtain wall, developed in collaboration with specialist façade engineers.

“The façade was designed to maximise panoramic coastal views while creating a distinctive architectural identity,” Thompson said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=355935]

Designed by BDA Architecture, Exhale will comprise just 54 two- and three-bedroom residences across 26 levels, a level of low-density living rarely delivered in this beachside pocket between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

The project has been conceived as a resident-only building, with no short-stay accommodation permitted. SIERA says the model is intended to appeal to long-term owner-occupiers rather than transient holiday demand.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=361052]

Residences have been designed with large-format layouts and expansive glazing, with most apartments featuring more than 30 metres of glass frontage to maximise natural light and ocean views.

The amenity offering spans two levels and centres on wellness and lifestyle, including a heated magnesium pool, sauna, yoga and Pilates studio, gymnasium, private dining facilities, cinema lounge, and dedicated surfcraft storage.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359607]

More than half of the apartments have already sold. SIERA has also opened a sales gallery for Exhale at its Chevron Island commercial premises, near its Tapestry tower and the site of its second Chevron Island apartment development, which is slated to launch in early 2027.
</section>
</section>

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112661]

Jessie Richardson

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News