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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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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 new <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/yarraville-green-42-stephen-street-yarraville-vic-3013">Yarraville Green</a> development in Melbourne's inner west is showing that landscaping can be just as influential as architecture, with buyers responding strongly to the garden-first approach adopted from the outset by developer Excelon Projects and the project's design team.

Excelon appointed Six Degrees Architects and landscape architects SBLA to work collaboratively on the development, with a brief to create "a sustainable, design-led building with a focus on community."

That approach has resonated with buyers. According to Next Chapter Director Tom Hirini, who is leading the sales campaign, the landscaped communal garden has become one of the project's defining features, alongside its boutique scale and European-inspired cluster housing concept.

Local downsizers, right-sizers and established families already living in Yarraville and surrounding suburbs have accounted for the majority of purchasers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144913 project_image_fid=297740]

Yarraville Green will comprise 53 homes, including apartments and townhomes, arranged around the shared central garden to maximise connections to the landscaped open space. Parking has been moved underground, allowing the ground plane to be dedicated to greenery, pedestrian movement and communal spaces.

The landscape extends well beyond passive planting. Productive garden beds, a pergola, communal gathering spaces, garden sheds and a pet wash have all been integrated into the masterplan, creating spaces designed to encourage everyday interaction between residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144913 project_image_fid=297741]

The interiors continue Excelon's focus on craftsmanship, incorporating bespoke elements by Melbourne artisans including leadlight detailing by Adadaz, hand-turned timber hardware by Auburn Woodturning and blown-glass lighting by Ruth Allen.

Sustainability has also been embedded throughout the project, with Yarraville Green targeting an average 7-star NatHERS energy rating through passive design principles, rooftop solar servicing common areas and rainwater harvesting for landscape irrigation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144913 project_image_fid=297735]

Construction continues to progress at Yarraville Green, with structural works well underway and framing works approaching completion under builder Balmain &amp; Co. The project remains on track for completion in mid-2027.

Apartments at Yarraville Green are currently priced from $625,000, while townhomes start from $1.4 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=144913]

Joel Robinson

Garden-led design drives buyer demand at Yarraville Green

National diversified developer Fortis has officially launched Crest &amp; Walker, its latest Brisbane apartment development, with construction now underway on the 20-storey Newstead project.

Award-winning builder BINAH has commenced construction on the Bureau^Proberts-designed building, which will deliver a limited collection of 65 two and three-bedroom apartments on Kyabra Street.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373556]

The project marks Fortis' fourth active residential development in Brisbane, following River House, which is nearing completion, alongside projects in New Farm and Hamilton as the national developer continues to expand its South East Queensland pipeline.

Fortis General Manager – Development Queensland Dan Boman said Crest &amp; Walker reflects the developer's long-term commitment to delivering design-led residential projects in Brisbane's established inner-city suburbs.

"We're proud to be strengthening our presence in Brisbane with Crest &amp; Walker, particularly in such a sought-after lifestyle destination as Newstead," Boman said.

"Every Fortis project is shaped by its context, and we approach each one with the respect and care it deserves.

"Our focus is always on creating places that feel connected to their neighbourhood and elevate the everyday experience for residents. Newstead continues to evolve as one of Brisbane's most sought-after urban communities, and Crest &amp; Walker reflects our ambition to contribute meaningfully to that story."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373559]

Positioned between Gasworks Plaza and James Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crest-walker-newstead-12-kyabra-street-newstead-qld-4006">Crest &amp; Walker</a> has been designed as a boutique residential address offering privacy and generous living spaces within one of Brisbane's most established lifestyle precincts.

The building features a contemporary brick podium softened by integrated landscaping, while the upper levels are characterised by restrained architecture and enduring materiality. Interiors have been designed to maximise natural light, acoustic performance and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373583]

Residences comprise spacious two and three-bedroom floorplans, with two-bedroom apartments priced from $1.55 million and three-bedroom, half-floor residences from $3.95 million.

Residents will have access to a wellness-focused rooftop featuring a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, landscaped dining spaces and outdoor lounge areas overlooking Newstead and the Brisbane CBD.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373571]

Sales are being managed by Slaite Projects, with Fortis expecting strong demand from owner-occupiers seeking a high-quality, design-focused apartment in one of Brisbane's most tightly held inner-city suburbs.

Completion of Crest &amp; Walker is slated for late 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145922]

Fortis expands Brisbane pipeline with launch of Crest & Walker in Newstead

The enormity of delivering a true skyscraper in Australia's new development market is often overlooked.

It has taken the best part of a decade since plans for Chevron One were first unveiled, but the 41-storey tower is now complete, with residents collecting their keys and moving into what has become one of the Gold Coast's most recognisable new landmarks.

Rising 127 metres above Chevron Island, Chevron One stands almost twice as high as any other building on the island. Its scale places it alongside the trio of towers at Jewel, arguably the last truly significant addition to the central Gold Coast skyline when they were completed around six years ago.

While there are several developments underway around a similar height to Chevron One, they are more concentrated within clusters of the highest towers in the city. The fact Chevron One sits within a developing precinct, looking back at the other high-rise developments in Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, makes it a different proposition altogether. It will certainly become a reference point on the Gold Coast skyline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=68833]

Developer Bensons Property Group is behind the 41-storey tower, which has 229 apartments, along with an exhaustive list of resident amenity spread across what is the largest development site ever assembled on Chevron Island.

The tower has been the talk of the town for years, says Ray White Projects Gold Coast agent Caitlin Rosenboom, who is selling the remaining apartments.

"People have been watching Chevron One go up for years," Rosenboom says, adding that many prospective buyers have been surprised by the scale of the views once they step inside.

"It's only when they walk through a completed apartment that they truly understand the position of the building," Rosenboom says.

"The views are jaw-dropping. Whether you're looking east over the ocean, across Surfers Paradise, along the river systems or out to the hinterland, every level offers something different but equally impressive."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=360215]

One of Chevron One's defining advantages is its location on the eastern side of Chevron Island on Stanhill Drive, a position which protects the views forever.

"There's only one row of houses between Chevron One and the water, and the height restrictions along the river means views from Chevron One can never be built out,"&nbsp;Rosenboom says.

While new apartment developments continue to emerge across the Gold Coast, Rosenboom says opportunities to secure a completed apartment with this level of outlook are becoming increasingly rare.

"The size of the site is something that would be incredibly difficult to replicate today," she says.

"That's allowed Chevron One to deliver the sort of amenity, open space and resident facilities that very few projects can offer. There are not many completed apartment buildings on the Gold Coast right now that can compete with the combination of scale, quality and amenity."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=68839]

There's around 2,000 sqm of amenity solely for the use of residents of Chevron One. Club One features a uniquely shaped swimming pool that mirrors the footprint of the building itself, set within a extensively landscaped gardens. There's also an indoor pool and spa, a fully equipped gym with a Pilates room, a yoga garden, a bookable private dining area and lounge that can host up to 30 people, and a 24-hour concierge service.

As for the buyers, Rosenboom is fielding enquiry from everywhere: Sydneysiders and Melburnians looking at the new and off-the-plan market following the changes in the Federal Budget, as well as those looking to relocate, through to South East Queenslanders seeking either a permanent home or a weekender bolthole.

"The Gold Coast lifestyle continues to resonate with people relocating from the southern states, and when they see the views and the quality of what's been delivered at Chevron One, it becomes very easy for them to understand the appeal," Rosenboom says.

A diverse mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments remain available, with each offering "something a little different", be it the orientation and views, configuration, or level, to suit a wide variety of buyers.

The remaining apartments are ready to inspect in person, by appointment.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6515]

A decade in the making: Residents to move into Chevron One as construction wraps up

A general rule of thumb in new apartment developments is that the penthouses get the rooftop.

It's a formula that's become commonplace across Australia's apartment market. Residents might have access to a pool, gym or barbecue facilities on a dedicated lower level, but the most desirable outdoor spaces are typically reserved for the highest-priced homes at the top of the building.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Property Group</a> has taken the opposite approach.

Rather than dedicating the rooftop to a handful of buyers, the Gold Coast developer has made it the centrepiece of its Flourish collection, creating expansive shared spaces from the best vantage point in the building.

The philosophy has reached its most ambitious expression at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-palm-beach-1150-1160-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a> in Palm Beach, where two rooftop precincts connected by a skybridge will deliver one of the most extensive lifestyle offerings seen in a residential apartment project on the Gold Coast.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374053]

"We're seeing a clear move toward developments that offer more than just an apartment," Sherpa Group founder Christie Leet said.

"People want spaces that support how they actually live, whether that's working from home, staying active, or spending time with family and friends.

"That's where amenity becomes critical. It's not just about what's included, but how those spaces are designed to be used every day."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374052]

The breadth of amenity has already attracted buyers across multiple demographics. Younger first home buyers have been drawn to Soleira's one-bedroom apartments, a product rarely delivered in Palm Beach, while families have responded to practical inclusions such as the shallow children's pool adjoining the main lap pool and the extensive communal recreation areas.

Instead of a single rooftop, Soleira delivers two distinct lifestyle zones.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=372547]

The southern rooftop has been dedicated to wellness, featuring a gym, yoga and Pilates studio, work-from-home facilities, a wellness centre, spa, and hot and cold plunge pools.

The northern rooftop focuses on recreation and entertaining, incorporating a heated resort-style pool, private dining rooms, pizza ovens, barbecues, a golf simulator, children's recreation areas, and what is expected to be the Gold Coast's first rooftop basketball court, which will also double as a squash court.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374054]

Beyond the rooftops, Soleira will introduce 1,500 sqm of curated retail beneath the towers, creating one of Palm Beach's first genuinely mixed-use lifestyle precincts where cafés, restaurants and convenience retail become part of residents' everyday lives.

Sherpa has also retained management rights across the development, allowing it to oversee the long-term operation of the building through a 24-hour concierge model. The developer is also exploring additional revenue streams within the precinct aimed at helping offset ongoing body corporate costs for residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370962]

While Soleira is the largest project Sherpa has delivered, the rooftop-first philosophy has been evolving for several years.

It began with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/amargo-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Amargo</a>, the first project released under the Flourish brand. Rather than competing at the ultra-luxury end of the market with oversized half-floor and full-floor residences, Sherpa focused on creating lifestyle-driven apartments supported by resort-style shared spaces.

Amargo introduced more than 800 sqm of rooftop amenity, combining wellness facilities, heated pools, entertaining areas, cabanas, pizza ovens and private dining spaces into what was designed as an extension of residents' homes rather than a facility used only occasionally.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146527 project_image_fid=366550]

That approach continued with Flourish Oasis, where the same amenity-led philosophy was refined into a more boutique development. Strong demand from Sherpa's growing VIP database saw much of the project sold before it reached the broader market, reinforcing buyer appetite for apartment communities centred around shared lifestyle experiences.

Flourish Amargo is slated for completion mid-way-through next year, with Oasis to be delivered by late 2027. Flourish Soleira is expected to complete in 2030.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150017]

Sherpa takes amenity to the sky as Flourish Soleira captures booming Palm Beach demand

As apartment living continues to evolve across Sydney's growth corridors, the quality and distribution of shared spaces is increasingly shaping how residents experience home. Rather than functioning as add-ons, amenities are being embedded into the daily rhythm of a building, supporting everything from quiet retreat to social interaction, often within a single vertical community.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/aeris-melrose-park-nursery-street-melrose-park-nsw-2114">Aeris</a> in Melrose Park, this approach is resolved through a layered amenity offering that unfolds from ground level through to its upper podium. Developed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sekisui-house-australia">Sekisui House Australia</a> in partnership with Hankyu Hanshin Properties, the project introduces 468 apartments across two towers and a mid-rise building, positioned at the highest point of the broader masterplan.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=359199]

The amenity experience begins at street level, where two courtyards sit within a landscaped setting that connects residents to the wider network of parks and green spaces. These green spaces are not isolated pockets but part of a wider pedestrian network that links Aeris to the surrounding <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melrose-park-nsw-2114">Melrose Park</a> precinct, including Central Park, future schools, and the Town Centre opening in July 2026. The result is a transition that moves from public to private without abrupt boundaries, allowing residents to pass through shaded, tree-lined environments before reaching the building itself.

Moving upward, the focus shifts to the level five podium, where the primary communal facilities are concentrated. This space brings together a 16-metre swimming pool, outdoor seating areas, and a communal BBQ zone arranged to take advantage of elevated outlooks. Seating is positioned beneath pergolas, creating pockets of shade that extend the usability of the space throughout the day. The pool edge aligns with views toward the wider district, reinforcing the sense of elevation that defines the project’s positioning.

In the adjacent building, this is complemented by quieter, more contemplative spaces, including an outdoor cinema set within the same level. Positioned to operate primarily in the evening, it introduces a different tempo to the shared environment, shifting from daytime activity to after-hours use without requiring separate zones.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=360299]

The podium also accommodates an intimate private resident gym. Located on the lower levels, it gives residents convenient access to fitness facilities without leaving the building.

Above, the elevated podium sky deck extends the amenity offering, providing additional open-air spaces with elevated outlooks across the surrounding landscape. While more restrained in program, this upper level reinforces the project’s vertical progression, from ground-level greenery to elevated outlook, allowing residents to move between distinct spatial conditions within a single address.

This distribution of amenities reflects a deliberate response to how residents use space across the day. Sekisui House Australia Sales and Marketing Director Peter Kalaf points to the role these shared areas play in shaping buyer demand. Aeris has been conceived as more than a collection of apartments, with the podium pool, gym and outdoor cinema forming part of a broader lifestyle offering that extends the home beyond each individual residence.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=360300]

What distinguishes Aeris is not the inclusion of these elements individually, but how they are arranged in relation to one another. Active, social, and passive spaces are layered vertically rather than separated, allowing residents to choose between them without leaving the building or moving far from their apartment. This proximity supports both routine use, such as a morning swim or evening workout, and more occasional gatherings, whether around the BBQ area or within the cinema setting.

The amenity design also sits within a broader framework of connectivity across Melrose Park. The Melrose Park Town Centre, anchored by Coles and Dan Murphys, features a mix of retail, dining, health and lifestyle offerings, bringing everyday convenience closer to residents. By the end of the year, more than five hectares of parks and open space, equivalent to around seven football fields of green space on residents' doorstep, will further enhance the precinct, allowing the internal facilities at Aeris to operate as an extension of the wider neighbourhood rather than a substitute for it.

Construction at Aeris continues to gather momentum, with ground floor slabs expected to be completed in late 2026 before the first sections of the buildings begin to rise above ground.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=426]

Jessie Richardson

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