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While there are plenty of stylists available who will dress your home for a sales campaign, not all of us have the cash to drop on an expert. However, putting on a good show come open for inspection day can make all the difference to buyer demand, and your home’s selling price.
Here are Property Observer’s key tips for styling your own home.
It’s not you, it's me
If you think your home is being marketed towards owner-occupiers, remember: it’s not about you. An attractive home will be one that prospective buyers can imagine more successful, more attractive and less stressed versions of themselves living in. Of course, whether buyers acknowledge this or not is entirely beside the point.
So try to remove obvious reminders of yourself and your family from display. That means taking down trophies or pictures of the kids. When a buyer walks through the house at an inspection, it should feel like its already theirs, not yours.
That doesn’t mean you need to clear the bookshelves and strip the sheets. Your home should still look like one that’s liveable and hospitable. But it does also mean removing yourself from view - people don't like to feel like they're obtruding in someone else's home, and they certainly don't like to feel like they're being watched as they inspect a property.
Play into the aspirational spirit of your buyer. If you’ve got a killer cookbook collection, display it proudly. But try to tuck away any eccentric collectables you might have. As <a href="/expert-insights/investing/five-of-the-most-bizarre-property-listings-from-looney-listing">we’ve seen before</a>, taxidermy and life sized science fiction figurines might just turn off the discerning buyer.
Keep it clean
Nobody wants to live in a dirty home. There’s not much else to it, really. Unless you’re courting the true renovation enthusiast who wants to get in cheap and fix up your home (in which case, disregard this piece and prepare yourself to settle for a low price), there's no winning back buyers once a property elicits their disgust.
Vacuum the carpet, remove any stains on furniture (or cover them), empty the washing hamper and bins and don’t have any food out. Don’t forget that all the senses are in play at an open for inspection – rotten smells can turn off a buyer more than six foot high ceilings. So launder the curtains, mop the floors and open up the house to get some fresh air flowing.
A clean home won’t just make a buyer feel more comfortable, but will also de-clutter and open up your home. As we know, when it comes to houses, bigger is better. This is particularly pertinent on open for inspection day, where you’ll have much more foot traffic coming through than usual. What seems like a big enough space for two people can start to feel confined with only a few extra players, so make sure you don’t have more room taken up by superfluous objects or mess.
It’s what’s on the outside that counts (as much as the inside)
Don’t forget the garden – again, engage the buyer’s imagination. If there are plane tree leaves from last autumn carpeting your garden path, they’re going to be reminded of how much work it is to live on a tree lined street. First impressions are everything – when they pull up outside the house, prospective buyers should see a clean, tidy home, not a hovel overwhelmed by the elements. Sweep the front yard, clean out the gutters and give the garden a good weeding the day before. 
Also make sure to give yourself plenty of time to make any obvious repairs. Any cracked windows have to be fixed, falling down gutters must be replaced and oil that squeaky gate - if you're lucky, it'll be getting a workout at your open for inspection.
<a href="/news/get-your-property-open-home-ready-in-just-one-morning-a-last-minute-guide">Click here</a> for tips on how to get your property "open home ready" in one morning.
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jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

Styling your home for an open for inspection

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There’s less than a week until the four apartments of The Block: Fans v Faves go up for auction, and fan team Kyal and Kara are in great shape to take out the big prize. With experience and some serious dollars on their side, the so-called Super Ks have carried out a veritable blitzkrieg on their Block competitors.
This week, the couple added their rooftop terrace to their room win list, which stretches longer than that of any other team this season. Their huge terrace not only boasted the best fittings, including a mirrored splashback and granite benchtops in their outdoor kitchen, but also city views. 
According to carpenter Kyal, the terrace is the highlight of their apartment.
“We’re probably the most proud of our rooftop terrace,” said Kyal. “That’s part of the reason we picked that apartment, just because it had that aspect and that view. We worked really hard on it and have done something really amazing, and hopefully that’s reflected on the auction day.”
With a slightly smaller downstairs living area than the other teams, the Ks have thrown all they have into the upstairs terrace space, and it shows. <a href="/expert-insights/the-block-on-show-at-this-weekends-open-for-inspection">On open for inspection day</a>, it was the only terrace that didn’t feel crowded despite the masses of spectators, with ample cooking, dining and living space.
Kyal says that if the couple had their time again, they wouldn’t change any of their decisions.
“We often ask ourselves what we would do if we had the opportunity to pick another apartment,” he said. “But we keep coming back to that aspect and that view. The downstairs terrace has really amazing arched windows at the front – we’re so glad we picked that apartment.”
Thanks to a killer run throughout the competition, the Ks have managed to collect a tidy sum of prize money which was poured back into their property.
“We’re so proud of what we’ve achieved, and received a lot of good feedback, especially with the finishes. We’ve obviously pumped an extra $50,000 into our apartment, so we’ve been able to get high quality furnishings, high quality appliances,” said Kyal.
But it wasn’t just the extra money that put Kyal and Kara ahead of the pack. As a carpenter, Kyal brought his construction experience to the competition which, along with Kara’s formidable design chops, gave the team an edge.
“Being a carpenter helped us out a lot, especially with time. The other teams would have to stop when their builders went home, but we could keep going round the clock if we needed to,” said Kyal.
Nevertheless, it wasn’t all easy for the team, who struggled along with all the other contestants with The Block’s punishing schedule.
“The toughest week was the week we did the loungeroom/dining room hallway and virtually completed the entire downstairs, and then did the upstairs. That was back to back. So finishing off the interiors was the toughest thing. Especially with the stairwell - we had all the timber work going up the stairwell, going 10 metres high.”
As for life after Tuesday’s auction, the couple are planning to launch a boutique renovations company called Diverse Design and Construct. Kyal says that the couple are considering a move from their home by Tuggerah Lakes on New South Wale’s central coast.
“We haven’t thought about it too seriously, but our long term goal is to get ourselves as close to the coast as possible. So we’re thinking about selling, maybe in the next 12 months.
“Obviously we’ve put so much work into renovating our own home though, so it might be tough to see that go.”
Kyal and Kara’s apartment at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-albert+park-116390163" target="_blank">2/47 O’Grady Street, Albert Park </a>will be selling at auction on Tuesday April 8.
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Kyal Demmrich on the trials and triumphs of The Block

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First National Real Estate has called on governments to cut restrictions on housing supply.
According to the real estate agency, poor planning and policy co-ordination has contributed to affordability issue leading to Australia’s lowest level of home ownership in 40 years. First National cites a 2.3% average national price rage in March and a cumulative price increase of 16% since June 2012 at the commencement of the current growth cycle.
First National chief executive Ray Ellis attributes price increases to infrastructure costs.
“Although these gains have mostly been in Sydney and Melbourne, the price of land for new homes nationally has climbed hugely, largely as a result of exorbitant headworks costs. Developers can only contain costs and maintain affordability by subdividing land into ever-decreasing block sizes,” said Ellis.   “Local council headworks charges used to cover things like water and sewerage but they now include a host of other charges, including infrastructure costs for roads and, in some cases, recreational and community facilities, electricity charges, footpath networks and more. As a result, the land cost of a new home has surged by 150% square meter in the past decade.”
While First National has acknowledged changing population demographics, living costs, interest rates and stamp duty and taxes as factors in affordability, the company believes that under supply is the major driver for increased prices. According to First National, the market is absorbing all new supply, a sentiment aired earlier this week by RP Data’s Cameron Kusher.
Ellis says that supply side issues may contribute to further affordability issues.
“Although the number of new residential listings coming to market is higher now than it was at this time last year, the total amount of real estate for sale in Australia is actually close to 4%lower. While this means homes are selling very quickly, if supply is not addressed, the gap between supply and demand will significantly widen by 2015, potentially reducing affordability,” he said.
Further policy factors that are hindering the efficiency of the market include state based stamp duties, First National has claimed, which discourage housing turnover and inhibit labour mobility. According to the agency, stamp duties were “supposed to have been removed” when the GST was first introduced.
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Poor planning threatening home ownership: First National

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A Tarneit home owner was awarded $289,589 after a faulty slab left his home cheaper to replace than to fix.
In a decision handed down by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), Australia’s self-proclaimed “largest new home builders” Metricon were found to have knowingly proceeded with the construction of Graham Hooper’s house despite receiving complaints that the home’s slab was built on poorly compacted soil. Metricon was ordered to pay for the demolition and reconstruction of the house and the loss of rental income, totalling $289,589.65. 
In 2006, as the home was being constructed, Hooper and surveyors found that the slab was built to an incorrect height. Rather than restarting construction, Metricon agreed to deduct $7,500 from the house price and import soil after completion to level the external landscape.
Within two months of moving into the house in October 2007, Hooper noticed cracks which became more severe in the following year, and his front bedroom window became jammed and Hooper was unable to open it. He complained to the builders, who refitted some windows and replastered some walls.
The tribunal heard that after moving interstate for work in 2009, Hooper received complaints from tenants about further cracking and the front door jamming. Metricon adjusted the front door once and Hooper told the tribunal that he paid for a carpenter to repair the home several times. Meanwhile the problems continued to increase, with windows jamming shut and more cracks appearing.
At one point, after several complaints from Hooper, Metricon inspected the house’s drainage system for plumbing leaks but none were found. Metricon then wrote to Hooper, telling him that the problems were due to “edge heave”, which it claimed was not its fault, but due to Hooper’s own landscaping and to “excessive garden watering.”
In 2011, Hooper decided to bring in an independent building and engineering expert, who concluded that the slab had skewed, the soil underneath was improperly compacted and the house would continue to move. The expert also concluded that it would be cheaper to demolish the house and rebuild it rather than repair it.
According to tribunal senior member R. Walker, Metricon was aware from 2006 that the soil was highly reactive and that it was imperative that the house was built as per the engineer’s plans. Not only was the foundational slab built incorrectly, but Metricon carried on with construction rather than addressing the initial problem, resulting in, as Walker put it, “a problem of its own making”.
Claims against the house’s engineer were dismissed in VCAT, as although the tribunal found that the engineer had at points breached its duty of care to Hooper, those breaches hadn’t resulted in any actual damage. 
 
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Metricon ordered to pay home owner almost $300,000 for faulty build

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The Sydney based property developer Crown Group received the Urban Development Institute of Australia's (UDIA) Best High Density Residential Development award for the Top Ryde City Living development last week.
The $500 million development atop Sydney’s Top Ryde City shopping centre was one of nine winners to receive awards at the UDIA’s 2014 National Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on Friday.
Prior to last week’s win, the development took home the 2013 state award for Best High Density Development. That year, Crown Group also received the Best Concept Design award for Eastlakes Town Centre, a joint venture with Prosha Pty Ltd.
Crown Group’s chief executive Iwan Sunito was delighted to receive the national award.
“It’s an honour to be recognised by such a prestigious award in what is a very competitive market,” he said.
“Over the past eighteen years Crown Group has successfully carved itself an undisputed place in the Australian property market and buyers have embraced our developments,” he said.
“This award is a testament to the five-star, resort style living Crown Group has become renowned for.
“These awards are proof corporate growth, quality and design excellence do not have to compete with one another, they can exist together,” said Sunito.
Development director Tim Campbell said the award recognised the development’s high quality of design.
 “Top Ryde City Living exemplifies Crown Group’s drive to contribute the highest calibre of design and development required to create sustainable urban cities for the future,” he said. 
 “Many people have been involved in delivering the vision for Top Ryde City Living and it has been a collaborative journey.”
The development will house 653 apartments, including studios and penthouses, across seven buildings. Common areas will include a music room, library, media theatre and outdoor areas with a children’s playground and pool. Construction began in 2011 and about 500 residents have moved in to the complex.
The development’s final stage, Viva by Crown, is due for completion in mid-2014, with a selection of one and two bedroom apartments remaining. Prices start from $613,000.
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Crown Group's Top Ryde takes out the UDIA's Best High Density Residential Development award

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The Sheraton hotel brand, absent from the city for nine years, has returned with the Sheraton Melbourne Hotel on Little Collins Street.
Located at the ‘Paris end’ of Little Collins on the former Navy and Military Club site, the Sheraton Melbourne was officially opened for business yesterday, although the hotel has been taking room reservations since January.
According to general manager Hal Philps, the project began four years ago, when Golden Age Development purchased the site. The development company, owned by 37 year old Jeff Xu, is also responsible for the Rainbow World entertainment plaza on Bourke Street and a proposal for the largest apartment building in Melbourne’s CBD, a $250 million 75 storey development on Elizabeth Street.
<img src="/images/2014/04/01/sheraton-april-1-two.jpg">
Philps says the return of the Sheraton brand, the largest in Starwood Hotels’ portfolio, is the result of a combination of factors.
“We have an amazing owner at the right time, in the right location, and it’s a really perfect partnership for us at this time,” said Philps.
Starwood, Philps says, “has a lot of aggressive growth planned for this year globally for the brand.”
“Starwood are always looking for development opportunities. And it’s about those opportunities all stacking up, and they certainly did for the Sheraton Melbourne.”
Sheraton’s Melbourne offering will be aimed the city’s prestige tourism market.
“As a five star luxury operator we’ll very much be targeting that sort of clientele, that look for the brand, Sheraton, and look for the experience we deliver around the world,” Philps said.
“We have 174 bedrooms, and that includes luxury terrace suites. In addition to that we have our signature restaurant, which is called Little Collins Street Kitchen, a new concept we developed just for Sheraton Melbourne here, and one which we believe will very much fit in with our location here in Melbourne, and be a great asset to the Melbourne dining scene.
“In addition to that we have a little under 700 square metres of meeting space, all with the latest technology and natural light. We have a spa with five treatment rooms, Sheraton Fitness with an indoor heated lap pool, and also a rooftop bar concept that we will open this week.” 
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The Sheraton returns to Melbourne with new hotel open for business

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The iconic Palace Theatre will cease operations in May, at the end of its lease term. The building’s owners, Jinshan Development and Construction Co, have refused to renew the lease on the venue.
The company, which is listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, saw a swift backlash from Melbourne’s music fans last year after submitting a proposal for a $180 million hotel development that would see the site significantly altered.
The proposed 30 storey complex was rejected by the city of Melbourne, much to the relief of 1,000 protestors and 26,000 petitioners who objected to the development.
However, it seems that Jinshan’s plans to develop on the site are still underway, with operators of the Palace Theatre leaving on May 31. According to a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/palacetheatreaustralia/photos/a.226000660744390.71406.127581223919668/770166456327805/?type=1&amp;permPage=1" target="_blank">press release</a> from the Palace Theatre, the building is still set to house a hotel and apartment complex.
The building was first built in 1860 but destroyed by a fire in 1911. It reopened in 1912 as Brennan’s Theatre and underwent varying incarnations, including 30 years as a cinema. 
Photo courtesy of <a href="https://savethepalace.com/" target="_blank">Save the Palace Theatre</a>.
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Melbourne’s Palace Theatre to close its doors after owners refuse to renew lease

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As many property investors know, the best investment opportunities sometimes lie a little beyond your doorstep.
Are you a Sydney resident priced out of your home market, but thinking of finding some capital growth in Brisbane? Or maybe you’re dying to buy in Melbourne, but are based in Western Australia for work. While searching, buying and settling – let alone maintaining – a property from a distance may seem impossible, it’s in fact entirely manageable and often a <a href="/expert-insights/investing/four-reasons-you-should-consider-investing-in-property-interstate-ed-chan">terrific wealth builder</a>.
Finding the right property
It may well be the Property Observer mantra: do your research. If you’ve heard that the Queensland market is undervalued, take the time to determine what you want out of your investment and look at area data to see which suburbs stack up. 
Purchasing property interstate can force you to be realistic about your investment prospects – remember, you won’t be living there, so keep your eyes on the numbers and <a href="/news/qld/the-five-most-overrated-queensland-markets-to-buy-in">don't buy into hype</a>. 
With online listing sites, you can always know what's available, no matter where it's available. So there's no excuse to limit your search to your state. Finding the right people                                  
Once you’ve figured out which suburbs and what sorts of properties you’re interested in, it doesn’t hurt to enlist a little help. If you have a property savvy family member in the area who doesn’t mind putting in a little time for you, you might be able to palm off some of the legwork, like attending auctions to see whether homes tend to go for more than their listed price, or scoping out buyer demand.
Better still, consider putting some money down for a <a href="/news/how-buyers-agents-pick-the-best-performing-properties">buyer’s agent</a> or a conveyancer. Their local knowledge will surpass yours in <a href="/news/the-argument-for-against-buyers-agents">almost every way</a>; good connections with agents, the inside scoop on what properties are really worth and an understanding of <a href="/expert-insights/investing/buying-interstate-the-information-you-need-to-know">state purchasing laws</a> can be invaluable.
A conveyancer, a specialist lawyer, can look after all aspects of the process for you, from researching properties, lodging your legal documents and putting your deposit in a trust account.
Once you’re really serious about a property, it’s worth a flight to walk through yourself and have a look at the neighbourhood. You might also need a builder to do a walk through and inspection for any faults in the property and to let you know if you’ll have any troubles with renovations further down the track. 
And once the property is purchased and settled, you will, as always, need <a href="/expert-insights/investing/six-things-to-look-for-when-choosing-a-property-manager">a good property manager</a> – one who can source good tenants and maintain your property and your flow of cash.
Key differences
There are three standout differences between the states and territories when it comes to buying property: information, cooling off and government support and taxation.
The changes in the level of information vendors must disclose may influence just how much help you need to engage to buy your property. In Victoria, all vendors are required to provide Section 23 documents, which include any mortgages or debt against the land, planning information and any registered works on the property. When purchasing a property in the ACT you will have access to similar documents which will also include a pest inspection report and an energy efficiency statement.
The other states and territories require varying but generally less comprehensive levels of disclosure: NSW and SA vendors must provide Schedule 1 and Form 1 documents respectively, which won't include details of building works. Vendors in Tasmania, Queensland, NT and WA can all sell properties without giving disclosure statements to buyers.
As for "cooling off" periods, if you're buying a property in ACT, NSW or Queensland, you'll be allowed a five day period to change your mind after a purchase. SA properties come with a two day cooling off period that commences either once the contract is signed or once the Form 1 documents are provided, whichever is later. There is no legal requirement to provide a cooling off period for property purchases in WA or Tasmania, or for Victorian properties purchased at auction.
Each state has its own rate of stamp duty or land tax that is applicable. Make sure that you factor this into your budget when considering a property purchase. Many state government websites provide stamp duty calculators. Grants and concessions also differ from state to state. If you're buying a new or substantially renovated property in the ACT before June 30 2014, you may be eligible to be charged duty at the concessional rate. Buying an off the plan land and home package will get you a concession from the Victorian government. Similarly, the NSW government offers a $5,000 grant for the purchase of new homes.
Purchasing a new build in SA could also make you eligible for a Housing Construction Grant of up to $8,500. Buying an off the plan property in the state before June 30 2014 could also give you a stamp duty concession in the state. For a run down of the concessions and charges you'll be subject to, see each state and territory's revenue office website (see below).
State and Territory Revenue Offices:
<a href="https://www.sro.vic.gov.au/sro/sronav.nsf/Home+Page/SRO~Home+Page?open" target="_blank">Victoria</a>
<a href="https://www.osr.nsw.gov.au/" target="_blank">New South Wales</a>
<a href="https://www.revenuesa.sa.gov.au/" target="_blank">South Australia</a>
<a href="https://www.finance.wa.gov.au/cms/section.aspx?id=209" target="_blank">Western Australia</a>
<a href="https://www.treasury.nt.gov.au/TaxesRoyaltiesAndGrants/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Northern Territory</a>
<a href="https://www.osr.qld.gov.au/" target="_blank">Queensland</a>
<a href="https://www.revenue.act.gov.au/" target="_blank">Australian Capital Territory</a>
<a href="https://www.revenuesa.sa.gov.au/generic-pages/i-am-a-property-ownerbuyer" target="_blank">Tasmania</a>
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How to: Buy property interstate

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Online real estate listing website realestate.com.au has revealed the top 10 suburbs in Australia for viewers per listing. According to the quarterly Top Sellers’ Markets report, New South Wales takes out four of the top 10 suburbs, with Victoria close behind with three of the most viewed suburbs.
The top spot this quarter goes to NSW’s Balgowlah, with the suburb’s sellers seeing more viewers per listing than anywhere else in the country. According to John Cunningham of Cunningham’s Property in Balgowlah, the result is unsurprising.
“There has been a significant increase in demand for property in the Balgowlah area in the last few months. Open homes in the suburb are attracting twice the number of interested parties compared to last year and the average days-on-market for property is currently down to 16 days,” said Cunningham.
“It has always been a convenient and desirable location. There is a good mix of houses and apartments which makes it popular with both investors and owner/occupiers. With cafés, restaurants and fresh food markets nearby, it certainly offers buyers great lifestyle opportunities.”
According to realestate.com.au’s General Manager of Sales and Operations Arthur Charlaftis, Top Sellers’ Markets list is indicative of increased buyer interest in the suburb.
“The Top Sellers’ Markets looks at supply and demand in each suburb and ranks the suburbs accordingly. A position in this list suggests that it could be a good time for property owners in these areas to consider selling as there are a high number of buyers looking for property in that suburb,” he said.
Eight suburbs have made the national list for the first time.
<ol>
<li>
<a href="/news">Balgowah</a>, NSW: According to RPData, the median house price for Balgowah is currently $1,220,000, with units going for a median price of $705,750. <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-balgowlah-116447799" target="_blank">This two bedroom home</a> at 4 Kitchener Street (pictured below) is on the market with $900,000 plus expectations. <img src="/images/2014/03/31/balgowah%20march%2031.jpg" alt=""> 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Albert Park</a>, VIC: The highly sought after inner city Melbourne suburb has a median house price of $1,542,000. The home of the The Block: Fans v Faves currently has a been enjoying an exceptional high and medium density market, with median unit sales price of $2,375,000 for February, according to RPData. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Norwood</a>, SA: One of two South Australian suburbs on the top 10 list, Norwood is located four kilometres from Adelaide's city centre. Its median house sales price in February was $960,000, with a median unit price of $640,000. The suburb is currently offering <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-sa-norwood-116015207" target="_blank">this impressive bluestone villa </a>at 33 Edward Street (pictured below).  <img src="/images/2014/03/31/norwood%20march%2031%20one.jpg" alt=""> 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Frenchs Forest</a>, NSW: This northern Sydney suburb has a median house price of $1,05,000, and a median unit price of $875,000. It is the first time the Northern Beaches suburb has made realestate.com.au's list. Vendors are accepting offers over $850,000 for <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-frenchs+forest-116508867" target="_blank">this bright three bedder</a> (pictured below) at 7 Newell Place. <img src="/images/2014/03/31/frenchs%20forest%20march%2031.jpg" alt=""> 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Cherrybrook</a>, NSW: One of only two suburbs to have made the list from the previous quarter, demand for properties in Cherrybrook has seen an increase in buyer demand, jumping from ninth place to fifth. Last month, the suburb had a median house price of $976,000 and a median unit price of $645,000. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Brighton</a>, SA: The beachside suburb of Brighton makes the list for the first time. It has one of the lower median housing prices of suburbs on the list, at $660,000. The median unit price for Brighton is $355,000. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Fitzroy North</a>, VIC: The inner-northern suburb has seen a steep price increase in the past decade, with a current median house price of $1,240,000. <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-fitzroy+north-116454363" target="_blank">This semi-detached home</a> (pictured below) at 526 Rae Street is currently going for $720,000-$790,000.  <img src="/images/2014/03/31/fitzroy%20north%20march%2031.jpg" alt=""> 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Holland Park</a>, QLD: Holland Park is Queensland's only suburb  to make the list. Eight kilometres from the Brisbane CBD, a high proportion of residences in the suburb are wooden post war Queenslanders, like <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-holland+park-116439127" target="_blank">this renovated five bedroom home</a> (pictured below) on Arnold Street. The median house price in the suburb is $510,000, while the median unit price is $345,000. <img src="/images/2014/03/31/holland%20park%20march%2031.jpg" alt=""> 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Ormond</a>, Vic: The south-eastern Melbourne suburb of Ormond had a median house price of $765,000 and a median unit price of $632,500. It is the first time that Ormond has appeared on realestate.com.au's list. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Engadine</a>, NSW: Southern Sydney's Engadine rounds out the top 10 list. Demand in the suburb has increased sharply since 2009, when the median house price for the suburb was $480,000. The median house price is now $744,996, while the median unit price is $523,000. Vendors are expecting offers over $769,000 for this<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-engadine-116504635" target="_blank"> five bedroom, three bathroom home</a> (pictured below) at 135 Thurlgona Road.  <img src="/images/2014/03/31/engadine%20march%2031.jpg" alt=""> 
</li>
</ol>
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The top 10 most viewed suburbs: realestate.com.au

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The purchase of a Melbourne CBD property for $5.6 million has set a new land value record for the precinct at $18,604 per square metre.
The three level office and retail building at 337-339 La Trobe Street was sold to a private China based buyer in a deal handled by Nick Peden and Clinton Baxter of Savills.
Savills received 19 offers through an expressions of interest sales process. It was sold unconditionally with a 42 day settlement period to the private offshore group.
Peden and Baxter received about 230 enquiries for the property.
"There are many reasons behind this outstanding result, chief among them being the property’s ideal central CBD location, three street frontages, versatility of use, outstanding redevelopment potential and the low Australian dollar which is providing exceptional value for off-shore buyers due to the favourable exchange rate," said Peden.
"Of course the fact that Melbourne CBD land is relatively cheap when compared to the major cities of China, Malaysia and Singapore, the low interest rate environment locally, the potential to sell a high volume of end units off-shore, and Australia’s `safe-haven’ investment status also figure prominently."
According to Baxter, the site is well served by local amenity.
"This is an exceptional central CBD location close to Melbourne Central Shopping Centre, RMIT University, the Legal Precinct, and Melbourne Central/Flagstaff train stations.
"The sale is another demonstration of the demand for CBD freehold property and the obvious capital growth potential of properties within Melbourne’s vibrant and rapidly expanding CBD." 
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La Trobe Street site goes to Chinese buyer in record sale

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 

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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.
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[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112661]

Jessie Richardson

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