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Melbourne had the nation's top auction sale when $6.3 million was paid in South Yarra.
The home at <a href="https://www.marshallwhite.com.au/property/104-caroline-street-south-yarra-835386/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">104 Caroline Street</a> (pictured top) saw bidding commence with the Marshall White auctioneer Justin Long placing a $5 million vendor bid.
At $5.45 million it was declared on the market.
The fourth bidder only come in at $5.9 million, and fended off the opening bidder in the final straight. 
The initial price guidance had been $5 million to $5.5 million for the 1920s Georgian-style home that was marketed as "retaining its original charm."
There was higher bidding at a Kew offering, with city skyline views, which was passed in at $6.6 million on a vendor bid.
The <a href="https://www.marshallwhite.com.au/property/7-wrixon-street-kew-832451/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">7 Wrixon Street</a> offering (below) is now for sale at $6,895,000 through Marshall White who had offered an initial $6.8 million to $7.2 million auction price guide.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/10/21/7%20Wrixon%20Street%20Kew.jpg" alt="">
It was a five bedroom contemporary home of a deep 1565 sqm block with tennis court and pool.
Melbourne also had the cheapest sale around the capital cities too.
It was when the ground floor one bedroom apartment at <a href="https://www.nelsonalexander.com.au/property/834591/2-4-prince-street/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">2/4 Prince Street, Essendon North</a> (below) sold for $215,000.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/10/21/24%20Prince%20Street%20Essendon%20North.jpg" alt="">
The Nelson Alexander price guidance had been $225,000 to $240,000. 
It sold at $72,500 in 1997.
There were 912 Melbourne homes taken to auction this week, according to CoreLogic, with a 75 per cent success rate, similar to the prior weekend's final auction clearance last week when volumes were slightly higher at 974 offerings.
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One year ago, 45 per cent of the 1,087 Melbourne homes taken to auction found buyers under the hammer.
Melbourne’s auction market was starting to moderate, the AMP chief economist Shane Oliver told Domain.
“Melbourne’s results look to have peaked in mid-September,” Dr Oliver said.
“More sales volumes could have weighed on them.”
Sydney returned a preliminary auction clearance rate of 84 per cent across a similar volume of auctions week-on-week.
There were 724 Sydney homes taken to auction.
The top sale was a pre-auction result in <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house/nsw/northern-suburbs/hunters-hill/420391" target="_blank">Hunters Hil</a><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house/nsw/northern-suburbs/hunters-hill/420391" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">l at $4,408,000</a> through McGrath to an inner west family.
The Toocooya Road home, TreMon (below) last sold at $2.2 million in 2005, but had been listed twice last year without success.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/10/21/TreMon%20Hunters%20Hill.jpg" alt="">
There was no bid when a lavish whole-floor apartment in the Harry Siedler-designed Horizon building went to private auction.
There was only a vendor bid of $16 million for the five-bedroom 40th-floor residence which was listed with a revised price guide of $16.5 million, after being listed at $20 million earlier this year.
It comes with $565 sqm of internal space, but 710 sqm with balconies and garaging.
It is credited as the largest single level apartment in its Knight Frank marketing.
Sydney's prior week’s figures saw 76.9 per cent clear as at final figures.
Last year, a lower 675 Sydney homes were auctioned returning a 44 per cent success rate.
Canberra was the best performing of the smaller auction markets, with a preliminary auction clearance rate this week of 64 per cent, Adelaide followed closely with 63 per cent of homes selling at auction.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/10/21/OCT%2021%20Auction%20Stats.JPG" alt="">
The South Australia auctioneer John Morris noted the 30 Ray White auctions clearance rate was sitting at 78 per cent.
"Stock is still quite low and this is resulting in large turnouts and lots of registered and active bidders at auction," Morris said.
The agency sold <a href="https://www.raywhite.com/sa/fulham-gardens/2172992/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">14 Leisure Court, Fulham</a> for $1,035,000.
“The highest offer we had previously was below the figure it sold for under the hammer,” selling agent Leon Yuan said.
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CoreLogic tallied just under 2,000 capital city homes taken to auction, steady week-on-week although the 75.6 per cent clearance rate came in lower than the previous week’s preliminary figure of 77.3 per cent, which revised down to 73.5 per cent at final figures. 
"It’s expected that this week’s final figure will come in below that given the lower preliminary figure," Corelogic auction analyst Kevin Brogan said.
Last year, 2,139 homes were taken to auction over the same week, however only 46 per cent of these sold.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Melbourne’s auction results peaked in mid-September: Shane Oliver

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The mezzanine floor of Moran House, an owner occupied office building in the Sydney CBD owned by the Moran family, is now available for lease
The tenancy at <a href="http://ecomms.raywhite.com/collect/click.aspx?u=jRYOrR8N39QzG/Nyy8oj1MsQ8lDBqOLe5o804VtamUhEA/9ZQVMvzNGgema06ruScwh8KTG/dcOZySCVoUz6QcmdBxtFfWxAjdYwySfTz0uNjem/i2I2Q110NoIn83n0ThrNmqYH1OcLrnCcXIOa7w==&amp;rh=ff00528e887253a2c7f9676eed448bd60cdee792" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">13-15 Bridge Street</a> is being marketed for lease by Scot Robertson of Robertson and Sons and John Skufris of Ray White Commercial South Sydney.
Robertson said the recently renovated tenancy of about 166 square metres comprised reception, boardroom and an open-plan office area with exposed ceilings.
"This overlooks the Christopher Hanna hair salon situated on the ground floor via full height glazing looking through a spectacular feature mural screen sculpture by Douglas Annand to Bridge Street," Robertson said.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/10/15/Mezzanine_13-15%20Bridge%20St%20Sydney-57.jpg" alt="">
The building formerly known as Liner House is classified by the National Trust, previously won the Sir John Sulman Medal for architectural excellence.
It is situated within close walking distance to both Wynyard and Circular Quay stations. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/10/15/Mezzanine_13-15%20Bridge%20St%20Sydney-88.jpg" alt=""> The lift has recently been replaced and the mezzanine level has been refurbished. The asking rent for this property is $725 per square metre per annum gross plus GST, with the tenancy available for immediate occupation, and is ideal for up to 20 staff, Robertson said.
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Sydney CBD Moran House mezzanine floor for lease

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The Illawarra offers a variety of residential property types that can generate cash flow for an investor owner, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The valuation firm took a look at yields across the nation to dissect where to find the best returns in residential markets.
The HTW report notes the region has broad pockets of single houses, older and modern unit developments and villa and townhouse developments.
Sprinkled throughout are specific investment properties such as duplexes, flat buildings, display homes and boarding houses.
In Nowra there is a large supply of defence housing properties.
"We experienced strong capital growth from 2013 through to 2017 and in that time rents also increased, but not anywhere near the same pace. As a result, residential yields compressed," the valuation firm said. 
An example is a sale of an eight unit building at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-unitblock-nsw-wollongong-129017178" target="_blank">17 Smith Street, Wollongong</a> (pictured below).
The property sold in November 2018 for $2.23 million with an assessed gross yield of 4.8%.
The same property sold again in August 2018 for $2,675,000.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/10/16/17%20smith%20st.jpg" alt="">
"The rents for the units had increased but this still represented a gross yield of 4.28%, a decline of 11%," the valuation firm added. 
Recent weakening market conditions have changed the tide for low yields. As prices have declined, yields have started to increase.
Small scale and older style multi-unit properties appear to be a favourite of residential investors.
Recent transactions include an April sale of five two bedroom units in West Wollongong for $1.1 million, reflecting a passing gross yield of 6.15%.
A single level block of three units in Bellambi sold in May for $695,000 which reflected an analysed gross yield of 5.42%.
More unique are sales of modern developments in the Illawarra, according to the HTW report. 
The recent sale of 6A Addison Street, Shellharbour (pictured below) is the first one in recent times.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/10/16/shellharbour.jpeg" alt="">
This was a three level, six unit building built in 2016. The sale for $2,565,000 reflects a gross passing yield of 5.55%.
"The most important aspect for a cash flow investor is having their property occupied and the Illawarra caters for a large variety of demand for rental properties," the valuation firm said. 
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Illawarra caters for a large variety of demand for rental properties: HTW residential 

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A Willoughby, South Australia mortgagee cottage listed six times in the past five years has finally sold for $255,000.
The two bedroom, one bathroom cottage is situated on 139 hectares of primary production zoned land.
Paul Gibson of Cliff Hawkins marketed the property.
The earliest indicator of its mortgagee status came in December 2018.
Situated at <a href="https://m.realestate.com.au/property-house-sa-antechamber+bay-109768556" target="_blank">2332 Cape Willoughby Road</a>, the holding was most recently listed for $450,000.
The asking price was a $330,000 reduction on what was originally sought back in July 2015 of $780,000.
Featuring two dams, one being spring fed a large working shed/garage and five rain water tanks, the property has views from the cottage with decking on three sides.
The holding last sold for $75,000 in 2002.
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Willoughby, SA mortgagee home sold for $530,000 less than original asking price

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The housing market on Sydney's Northern Beaches is heavily owner-occupier driven given its entry costs and lower than average yields.
They sits at 2.9% for houses according to SQM Research.
The desired yield ultimately comes down to investment strategy, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The valuation firm took a look at yields across the country and dissected where to find the best returns in residential markets. 
The report notes higher yielding properties typically offer lower capital growth prospects.
"If you are not predicting market conditions to improve over the short to medium term, it may be a good opportunity to capitalise on a high yielding property, generate cash flow and achieve a higher annual rate of return over the short to medium term," the valuation firm said. 
"A severe lack of short-term accommodation options has resulted in Airbnb becoming a popular and lucrative investment model on the Northern Beaches, particularly when you consider how popular a destination the area is for weekend getaways, weddings and events." 
According to the HTW report, a popular investment product due to its entry level price point, prime location and strong rental marketability is<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-nsw-manly-130920610" target="_blank"> </a>22 Central Avenue, Manly (pictured below).
The complex offers a mixture of studio and one bedroom apartments and gives a great indication of just how much short-term leasing can boost your yield to maximise cash generation. 
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-nsw-manly-130920610" target="_blank">809/22 Central Avenue</a>, Manly sold in August 2019 for $870,000 (pictured below).
The property would lease on an annual basis for $600 per week, equating to a gross yield of 3.58%.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/10/14/manly%202.jpg" alt="">
A near identical unit is currently on Airbnb for $150 per night.
This annualises to a potential fully let gross yield of 6.2%.
"Obviously not entirely realistic, but if we were to annualise the current bookings in the fourth quarter of 2019, the gross yield equates to 4.75%," the valuation firm said.
"Factoring in subsequent bookings through this period, a 5% gross yield is not out of the question and a tidy increase on the traditionally leased 3.58% yield."
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Owner-occupier driven Northern Beaches market sees 2.9% yields for houses: HTW residential 

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An Emerald, Queensland mortgagee home has been sold for $230,000.
The house last sold for $405,000 in 2012.
Jason Campbell of Emerald Real Estate marketed the listing.
Situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-emerald-130506626" target="_blank">3 Buchholz Place</a>, the abode is host to three bedrooms and two bathrooms.
Set on 842 square metres, the property was built in 1997.
The house features an inground swimming pool constructed in 2009 through a DA valued at $30,500.
The home was last listed as a rental in 2016 seeking $260 per week, notably lower than the 2014 rental price of $360 per week.
It was originally listed for $320,000 in February 2019 but was reduced to $260,000 over the course of the 250 day campaign.
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The median sale price for an apartment in <a href="/developments/emerald-qld-4720">Emerald, Queensland</a> is $311,000, according to the latest CoreLogic data.
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Emerald, Queensland mortgagee home sold for $175,000 loss

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A Port Lincoln, South Australia mortgagee home has been sold for $97,000.
The three bedroom, one bathroom house last sold for $173,000 in October 2004.
Shane Merchant of Kemp Real Estate marketed the listing.
Situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-sa-port+lincoln-131005814" target="_blank">30 Matilda Street</a>, the home was built in 1925.
Set on 1,012 square metres, the listing notes that the home would be ideal for those "looking for a project".
Originally listed for $129,000 in April 2019, after 130 days on market the asking price was down to $109,500.
In January 2004, the home sold for $150,000, also more than the latest sale.
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The median price for a home in <a href="/developments/port-lincoln-sa-5606">Port Lincoln</a> is $296,500 according to CoreLogic.
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Port Lincoln, SA mortgagee home sold for $75,000 loss

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Brisbane market on the whole has always offered an extraordinarily good balance of property options for those building a diversified investment portfolio, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The valuation firm took a look at rental yields across the country. 
"There are opportunities for capital-gain motivated buyers looking to park their dough in an asset with excellent value upside potential," the valuation firm said. 
"Conversely, if you’re seeking to ramp up returns, we have plenty to offer across our landscape that would put other larger cities in the shade in relation to rental return.
"And of course, our offerings are relatively affordable too."
Given some of the good news on the horizon around infrastructure investment and increasing interstate migration, there’s every chance Brisbane will be one of the country’s best performing capital city markets over the next three to five years.
"First up, we aren’t seeing investors flock to yields in the same way they might in Sydney or Melbourne," the valuation firm stated. 
The run to yields is often on the back of markets that have undergone major fluctuations – for example, when prices are running too hot and investors are seeking options where a comparatively higher rental return will help service the debt.
In this instance, high yields are hard to find and hotly contested.
Conversely, when values are at the bottom of the cycle, cash flow investors might look for a high return so they can purchase a holding with good long (or even very long) term growth prospects at an attractive yield.
The new landlord can then use that relatively attractive rent to service the debt while playing the waiting game.
"This is all to say that in Brisbane, our steady market movements suggest the attraction to high-yielding investment is no greater in 2019 than it has been in previous years. That’s not to say it’s bad, it’s just to say that demand has been consistent," the valuation firm said. 
"Certainly, the ongoing low interest rate environment has been attractive for investors, and this means net returns look healthy.
"Any investor operating in our markets will be factoring in yields in their buying decision, but low yield is rarely a deal-breaker in this sector." 
Brisbane has seen a recovery in its rental market, the report noted. 
Average rents are rising, albeit modestly, with vacancy rates tightening. This has something to do with the uptake of inner-city apartment oversupply. While there is still plenty of stock to be absorbed by the rental market, the numbers are better now than they were a few years back.
"So, who are the buyers seeking high yields in Brisbane?
"Well, analyse the retail-level investor pool operating in our market and keen to secure above-average yields and you’ll discover a broad church. They range from typical individual or mum-and-dad investors through to self-funded superannuants chasing a cash flow strategy rather than capital gains," the valuation firm added. 
These buyers seek properties such as units around the university nodes and multiple-occupancy style accommodation such as flats buildings, boarding houses, student accommodation or dual occupancy dwellings.
"As to whether high yield makes for a good investment option in Brisbane the answer is – not necessarily!
"There are plenty of high yield options available such as serviced apartments in the inner city and dual-key units, but the downside is capital growth prospects are more limited than for traditional detached housing and owner-occupier style attached housing.
"Also, while the gross yield tends to be high on some property types, the net yield can be fairly unappealing once management costs and other outlays are factored in."
This can typically extend and apply to outer lying regions too where high yielding properties such as duplexes and dual occupancy bring a great gross income but less impressive net income.
"All in all, higher yields reflect higher risks. While some Brisbane metrics look good, economic uncertainty at the national and international level compels us towards caution," the valuation firm said. 
Many of the asset classes associated with higher yields appeal to a more limited buyer segment (being the investor market) and when there is a limited number of buyers for this style of property. It can become difficult to liquidate assets without a significant discount.
Setting aside the position laid out above, let’s take a look at some high-yield examples in our river city.
Inner city investor stock and dual key apartment are certainly available. Some typical price points include:
<ul>
<li>One-bedroom units in the city at $300,000 to $350,000 with rents at $360 to $400 per week reflecting yields of circa 6%;</li>
<li>Two-bedroom units in the city at say $500,000 with rents at $525 to $575 per week reflecting yields of circa 5.5%.</li>
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One example is this dual key apartment at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-qld-brisbane+city-131039374" target="_blank">2006- 2007/255 Ann Street </a>(pictured below) in the CBD which sold in July 2019 for $355,000 and rents for $690 per week, reflecting a gross yield 10.1%.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/10/16/brisbane%20city%201.jpg" alt="">
Another is this one-bedroom UniLodge property located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-qld-brisbane+city-129661882" target="_blank">2511/104 Margaret Street </a>(pictured below) in the CBD which sold in July 2019 for $135,000 with a rent of $336 per week, reflecting a gross yield 12.94%.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/10/16/brisbane%20city%202.jpg" alt="">
The HTW report notes rents are higher due to being inner city positioned close to public transport and amenity as well as the oversupply of rental stock over the past few years starting to be absorbed.
For inner city units, townhouses and dwellings, higher yielding properties are typically located around the university hubs as they are often let out on a per room basis reflecting a much higher overall rent, often with a few little extras included such as free internet and full furnishing (generally of very modest condition and quality though).
Some of the outer ring suburbs such as Burpengary, Caboolture and Morayfield have estates full of dual occupancy and duplex style accommodation which will attract higher yield in comparison to traditional single unit dwellings.
Tenants in the dual occupancy and duplex style accommodations of the outer ring suburbs are often attracted to the lower cost associated with renting just their part of the dwelling as well as the modern or new condition of the asset in comparison to renting out an entire property.
Furthermore, although shared, these assets are generally still seen to offer privacy in comparison to units or townhouses although they are often of a similar size internally.
There is an alternative in new estates for some investors - a display home with a leaseback to the builder in place.
While they can show an excellent return on paper, they often sell at above market prices to reflect the inclusion of the leaseback.
Often these agreements can be for one or two-year terms with options at the end to extend further.
While the agreed rent on a display home can vary, typically they are rented back at a commercial rent which is well above standard market rents.
There are of course ways to boost the rental return on your existing investment such as renting room-by-room, renting furnished or letting the car space separately.
The report suggests higher density dwellings which offer the ability to be rented out on a per room basis (particularly those which are en suited) tend to do well.
There are some dwellings being built new that offer four or five large bedrooms each with their own en suite and a small kitchenette or wet bar, although they have minimum living area in the common parts of the house.
Whilst these are classified as dwellings, they will yield a much higher return due to the ability to be let per room.
An example of a recent sale of a multi-income stream property is this one at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-unitblock-qld-hendra-130661294" target="_blank">292 Nudgee Road, Hendra </a>(pictured below) which sold on a 9.1% gross yield in June this year.
It comprised five self-contained apartments, each with bedroom, kitchenette and bathroom.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/10/16/hendra%20.jpg" alt="">
Occasionally in areas such as St Lucia, some of the larger two-bedroom units located in those 1970s style walk-up units have been converted into three-bedroom units at the expense of smaller living areas.
This increases the rental income substantially.
Likewise, there are a large number of high set dwellings which get built in under (not necessarily considered to be habitable height) to accommodate additional space to be let out.
"The caution here is that from a valuation point of view, a lot of these areas end up being treated as storage as they aren’t strictly deemed habitable under building guidelines. As such, the assessed rent applied by valuers is often far less than the rent actually received by the owner," the valuation firm said. 
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Where to find high yielding rental properties in Brisbane: HTW residential 

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A Balwyn North mortgagee home has been sold for $965,000.
The three bedroom, two bathroom townhouse last sold for $1.13 million in 2016.
Mark and Rob Fletcher of Fletchers Real Estate marketed the property.
Situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-townhouse-vic-balwyn+north-131970578" target="_blank">5 St Bridgets Rise</a>, the abode was sold at auction with a price guide of $960,000 - $1,050,000.
Set on 526 square metres, the two storey home features a double auto-garage.
Built in 1980, the home is located a short walk from multiple schools, cafes, public transport options and other amenities.
When the home last sold, it was also during an auction but it went under the hammer with a lower price guide of $900,000 - $990,000, despite the higher final sale price.
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The median price for a home in <a href="/developments/balwyn-north-vic-3104">Balwyn North</a> is $1,561,500 according to CoreLogic. 
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Balwyn North mortgagee home sold for $165,000 loss

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A Melbourne mortgagee home has been sold for $542,000.
The apartment last sold for $585,000 in 2012. It was an off the plan purchase.
Edward Thomas and Amanda Draper of Edward Thomas marketed the property.
Situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-vic-melbourne-131970274" target="_blank">910/639 Lonsdale Street</a>, the two bedroom two bathroom apartment also has an underground parking space.
The home has been on market for a combined 1700 days over the course of 3 campaigns before it successfully found a buyer.
It was only offered as a mortgagee in this latest campaign which started in September 2019 and it sold at auction with a price guide of $470,000 - $510,000.
Located in the Upper West Side development, the unit has access to a number of features including a well equipped gymnasium, heated lap pool, rock climbing wall as well as communal gardens and BBQ areas.
It is positioned opposite the Southern Cross station, near trains, trams, The DFO, Coles, Crown Casino, Southbank and Docklands restaurants.
Built in 2014, the home was offered as a rental as recently as 2017 seeking $635/pw, an increase on what it sought in 2014 when it was listed for $560/pw.
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The median price for a home in <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic">Melbourne</a> is $590,000 according to CoreLogic.
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Melbourne mortgagee apartment sold for $45,000 loss

Repeat buyers are one of the strongest measures of confidence in any apartment development.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> in Newcastle West, some purchasers are returning to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> after living at the developer's One Apartments. Their decision to purchase again was driven by the quality of life they found after moving into their first GWH home.

Keith Wilton had spent years living in a house in East Maitland before deciding it was time for a change. Apartment living had always been on his radar, but he was selective about what he wanted.

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"I had some boxes I wanted to tick," he says.

Keith points to the open-plan design, generous outdoor areas and considered inclusions as key reasons One Apartments worked for him.

“One of those things was a nice indoor open plan area, but also I wanted a nice outdoor open area that I could entertain on in summer or Christmases or birthdays,” he says.

He also found value in the smaller details, from integrated appliances to shared resident spaces including the pool, cinema and rooftop areas.

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After comparing several developments, he chose One Apartments because of GWH's longstanding local reputation and his own experience working with the developer on a commercial project more than a decade earlier.

"I knew that they were local, that the quality of the build was going to be up there. I'd looked at other apartment complexes around and close by, and I just knew that here was a better decision location wise."

Today, Keith says the move has completely changed how he experiences Newcastle.

"I enjoy living in this location because it's more of a lifestyle change. That Newcastle city living where you can walk to restaurants and bars and even beaches and parks and even shopping across the road."

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Beyond the location, he says it's the sense of community that has surprised him most.

"Everyone loves living here because they chose to live here, but everyone looks out for each other. It's a real great community feel here."

For Aimee and Lyle Goodman, the journey started almost by chance.

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The couple happened to be having coffee in Newcastle when they noticed the site where One Apartments was about to begin construction.

"We were aware GWH was planning a development," Aimee says. "We made one phone call and things moved pretty quickly after that."

As busy business owners, they initially thought apartment living would simply reduce the maintenance that came with larger homes. Instead, it fundamentally changed how they spent time together.

"We actually catch up more as a family now," Aimee says.

"We've had homes with big yards and lots of space, but everyone ended up in different rooms. Here we'll have dinner together, the kids can play, and we spend far more quality time together."

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Lyle says their confidence came from GWH's reputation within Newcastle's building industry.

"I know people who've worked across different apartment projects, and whenever GWH came up the feedback was always the same. They're rock solid. They're quality."

That confidence only grew throughout the buying process.

"One of the things that really impressed us with GWH was the whole process, was the communication," Lyle says. "It was consistent, it was regular, there was no problem if we had some weird questions, there was no problems in getting answers."

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Aimee says one moment stood out.

"The project actually finished on time. We realised we needed to hurry up and sell our house because everything was happening exactly when they said it would."

The positive experience at One Apartments ultimately gave all three buyers the confidence to purchase again with GWH, this time at ERA.

Their confidence reflects what many buyers are seeking in today's apartment market. Location remains important, but so too does certainty around delivery, quality and long-term liveability.

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ERA builds on those foundations with 280 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two landmark towers in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle West</a>.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>, the project will include more than 2,000 square metres of resident amenities, including a resort-style pool, gym, sauna, private cinema and rooftop entertaining spaces overlooking the harbour and coastline.&nbsp;

The development is also within walking distance of the Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle, Darby Street, the harbour foreshore, restaurants, retail and the city’s beaches, continuing the walkable lifestyle that existing GWH buyers say has transformed how they live.

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For Keith, the appeal remains straightforward.

"You feel at home even before you've moved into your home."

For Aimee, the change is measured in time.

“I just felt like I had more time,” she says.

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Construction at ERA is now underway, with more than half of the residences already sold and limited two and three-bedroom apartments remaining in the East Tower release. Priced from $980,000 for two-bedroom residences and $1.46 million for three-bedroom residences, buyers can secure an apartment with a 10 per cent deposit, with premium homes offering ocean views from Level 8 and harbour views from Level 10.

ERA is also backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing protection against structural or waterproofing defects for 10 years after completion. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.

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Joel Robinson

From ONE to ERA: Why buyers are choosing GWH again in Newcastle West

Virgate Property Group is preparing to commence construction of Verdé, its new apartment development in Melbourne's Arts Precinct at Southbank, following a strong run of sales that has seen more than half of the project's 173 apartments secured.

Verdé has attracted a broad mix of first home buyers, owner-occupiers upgrading from nearby inner-city suburbs and investors, with younger owner-occupier couples aged between 28 and 45 accounting for the strongest enquiry. Many are already living in Southbank, South Melbourne, Albert Park, Port Melbourne, South Yarra and the CBD.

"Verdé is located in one of the most desirable pockets of southern Melbourne," Blair Property Group Director Darren Blair, who is managing sales at Verdé, said.

"It's within walking distance of the Arts Centre, Royal Botanic Gardens, Albert Park Lake, and Southbank's restaurants and retail. It's a great lifestyle location with strong amenity and liveability, which made it a very attractive choice for the project."

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Virgate was already familiar with the precinct, having previously delivered the successful Domain House development in neighbouring South Melbourne. That experience gave the developer confidence to acquire the Coventry Street site and continue expanding its presence in Melbourne's inner south.

"We had been keeping an eye on the site and the broader precinct for a few months before deciding to move forward with the acquisition," Virgate said.

The project was ultimately secured in 2020 following feasibility studies, planning assessments and due diligence, with the brief centred on delivering "a high-quality, considered design that feels both refined and fit for purpose."

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Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bruce-henderson-architects">Bruce Henderson Architects</a>, Verdé comprises 173 one, two and three-bedroom apartments priced from $599,000. The architecture is distinguished by a faceted glass façade that responds to both the site's outlook and Melbourne's changing light conditions.

According to Bruce Henderson Architects, the coloured glazing gives the building a distinctive identity while also providing privacy and solar shading, with residences oriented to capture views across the bay, city skyline and surrounding parklands.

Inside, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/designoffice">DesignOffice</a> has created interiors focused on natural light, efficient planning and enduring materials. Apartments feature engineered oak flooring, natural stone benchtops, floor-to-ceiling glazing and SMEG appliances, while a restrained material palette aims to complement the expansive outlooks rather than compete with them.

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Resident amenity has also been designed around everyday functionality rather than occasional use. Facilities include a concierge-serviced lobby, residents' lounge with fireplace, library and co-working space, gym, terrace garden with barbecue facilities, ground-floor café, and package delivery management.

The project's location continues to be one of its strongest drawcards. Positioned on Coventry Street, Verdé sits within walking distance of the National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne, Royal Botanic Gardens and Albert Park Lake, while Southbank's dining precinct, Sturt Street trams and the new ANZAC Station are all nearby. The surrounding education catchment also includes Melbourne Grammar, Melbourne Girls Grammar, Mac.Robertson Girls' High School and several major university campuses.

The sales team says buyers have responded particularly well to the combination of location, design quality and long-term liveability.

"They're responding really positively to the quality of the design, premium resident amenities and the uninterrupted views. Many also appreciate the location and how connected it is to everything they need."

The ability to secure stamp duty savings before completion has also been a key factor for purchasers, alongside the opportunity to personalise finishes ahead of settlement.

With construction set to commence soon and more than half the apartments already sold, Verdé enters its next phase as one of the Arts Precinct's more established apartment developments, offering remaining buyers an opportunity to secure a residence before construction advances further. Expected completion is scheduled for late 2027.

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Virgate's Verdé Southbank moves toward construction as sales fly past halfway stage

Downsizer-focused apartment development Kooyongkoot in Hawthorn has been recognised at the 2026 Better Future Melbourne Design Awards, taking home Gold and Silver awards in two categories.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a>, currently being delivered by developer PQD and designed by Cera Stribley, received Gold in the Interior Design – Proposed category and Silver in the Architecture – Proposed category.

The dual recognition reflects the design approach behind the boutique development on prestigious Kooyongkoot Road, where the focus has been on creating homes for downsizers seeking the space, quality and functionality of a detached house within a low-rise apartment building.

Rather than maximising apartment numbers, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pqd">PQD</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a> limited the development to just 18 residences, allowing for larger floorplans, greater privacy, generous landscaping and expansive communal spaces.&nbsp;The majority of the apartments also benefit from corner aspects, allowing for dual sources of natural light.

Now around 70 per cent complete and on track for completion in November 2026, Kooyongkoot will comprise a mix of garden residences, ter​race apartments, sub-penthouses, and is crowned by two half-floor penthouses with direct lift access and private rooftop terraces.

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The Silver Award for Architecture recognised the way the building responds to its prominent corner position at the ent​rance to Hawthorn's Scotch Hill precinct, one of Melbourne's most established residential neighbourhoods.

Rather than competing with the grand homes that line Kooyongkoot Road, the architectural approach focused on restraint and longevity, using curved brickwork, generous landscaping and carefully considered proportions to integrate with the existing streetscape.

"The form feels fluid and timeless, as though shaped by the landscape itself – architecture that belongs, rather than competes," said Chris Stribley, Co-Founder and Managing Principal of Cera Stribley.

The judging submission also highlighted practical innovations throughout the building, including lift cores servicing only nine homes each, a central landscaped lightcourt designed to bring daylight and ventilation into the building, and fully enclosed private storage rooms with lighting, power and shelving to better accommodate residents transitioning from larger family homes.

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The Gold Award for Interior Design recognised the project's focus on long-term liveability rather than display-home aesthetics.

According to the awards submission, the interiors were designed from the inside out, prioritising how homes would function over decades of daily use through generous proportions, practical storage, durable natural materials and flexible layouts.

The specification includes natural stone throughout, upgraded acoustic glazing, V-ZUG appliances and fully enclosed storage rooms, alongside an amenity offering focused on wellness, entertainment and everyday convenience.&nbsp;

Residents will have access to a gym and yoga studio, a wellness centre featuring traditional and infrared saunas, a cold therapy shower and treatment room, as well as a residents' lounge and golf simulator/cinema room for entertainment.&nbsp;Kooyongkoot has also considered the everyday convenience of its residents by offering a private carwash and pet wash facilities on site as well as dedicated parcel lockers and oversized fully enclosed storage rooms.&nbsp;

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The project's attention to detail has already resonated with buyers. Earlier this year, Kooyongkoot recorded one of Boroondara's highest apartment sales when an $8 million penthouse was purchased by a Melbourne CEO downsizing from a nearby family home.

"Every detail feels deliberate, from the overall design down to the smallest touches," the purchaser said.

"The level of quality and refinement is exceptional, but what really sold it was how liveable it felt... It felt like a place where everything had been considered, not just a luxury building."

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Sustainability also formed a key part of both award submissions. Kooyongkoot is targeting a minimum 7.5-star NatHERS rating across all residences, supported by passive design principles, high-performance glazing, EV charging infrastructure, water reuse systems and a wellness model focused on lower-energy dry facilities rather than pools and large wet areas.

Located within walking distance of Scotch College, Methodist Ladies' College, Koo​yong Lawn Tennis Club, Aubur​n Village and Camberwell Junction, Kooyongkoot continues to target owner-occupiers looking to remain in Melbourne's inner east without compromising on space or quality. A limited selection of two, three and four-bedroom residences remains available, with prices starting from $1.9 million.

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Kooyongkoot wins Gold and Silver at Better Future Melbourne Design Awards

New apartment supply has become increasingly constrained across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150">Parramatta</a> in recent years, with fewer projects progressing through to completion as development conditions have become more challenging.

It makes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/novm">NOVM</a>'s 2021-completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/the-lennox-parramatta-12-phillip-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">The Lennox</a> one of the most recently completed residential towers on the Parramatta River, and among the newest apartment developments in Sydney's second CBD.

With the project largely completed before the sharp escalation in construction costs and inflation following the pandemic, The Lennox is now offering pricing that would be difficult to replicate in a comparable new development in Parramatta today, or across much of Western Sydney.

The majority of the 413 apartments at The Lennox sold before and shortly after completion. A limited release of the remaining apartments has recently been brought to market by capital partner <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a>, with entry-level pricing from $700,000 and two-bedroom apartments available from under $1 million.

Rising above the Parramatta River at 12 Phillip Street, The Lennox comprises one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, appealing to first home buyers, young professionals, families, downsizers and interstate investors seeking a completed apartment in one of Australia's fastest-growing economic centres.

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Rather than positioning Parramatta as an alternative to Sydney's CBD, Equitifund believes the city has reached a point where it stands on its own merits.

"Parramatta is no longer simply an alternative to Sydney CBD, it's becoming a destination in its own right," Equitifund Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said.

"The Lennox captures that evolution with a level of quality and amenity that's difficult to match at its price point."

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Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/marchese-partners">Marchese Partners</a>, the tower responds directly to its riverfront setting through expansive glazing and open-plan layouts that maximise views across the Parramatta River and city skyline. Interiors feature engineered timber flooring, stone benchtops, stainless steel appliances and floor-to-ceiling glazing, while generous balconies extend the living spaces outdoors.

Marchese Partners says the project was conceived to balance high-quality apartment living with practical, long-term functionality, pairing larger, efficient floorplans with amenities more commonly associated with five-star hotels.

That emphasis continues through the resident facilities, which include a 20-metre rooftop swimming pool, fully equipped gym and wellness spaces, full-time concierge, a residents' lounge, function room, private lifts, secure basement parking and rooftop communal areas overlooking the Parramatta River. Ground-floor boardwalk retail and dining further activate the riverfront and integrate the building into the surrounding public realm.

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Australian housing and finance group Equitifund has secured the remaining apartments, believing there are few completed apartment opportunities in Parramatta that offer the same combination of location, amenity and pricing.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett says buyers are increasingly recognising that premium apartment living no longer needs to come with Sydney CBD pricing.

"The Lennox is where aspirational living becomes attainable," Hamblett said.

"Wake to river and mountain views, step into Sydney's Second CBD, and arrive home to resort-calibre amenities, all without the harbour price tag."

Hamblett says owner-occupiers are also attracted by the convenience of having Westfield Parramatta, Church Street's dining precinct, Parramatta Park, Riverside Theatres, Western Sydney University and major transport connections all within walking distance.

"At The Lennox, lifestyle is not an afterthought, it is the foundation."

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The Lennox places residents within walking distance of Parramatta Square, Westfield Parramatta, Church Street Eat Street, Parramatta Station, the ferry wharf, Light Rail, the future Sydney Metro West, Parramatta Park and CommBank Stadium, reinforcing Parramatta's position as one of Australia's most connected metropolitan centres outside Sydney's CBD.

Equitifund says buyers visiting the display suite consistently comment on the quality of the finishes, generous floorplans, river and skyline views, and the walkability of the location. The project has attracted a broad mix of local professionals, upsizers, downsizers, buyers relocating from Sydney's inner suburbs and interstate investors seeking long-term growth opportunities.

That demand aligns with Parramatta's continued evolution as an economic powerhouse. Equitifund Research and Market Insights specialist John Bekiaris says sustained population growth, infrastructure investment and expanding employment opportunities continue to support long-term housing demand across the city.

"Parramatta has evolved from a satellite city into one of Australia's most important economic centres. Population growth, infrastructure investment and employment are all supporting sustained long-term housing demand."

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The apartment price gap drawing Sydney buyers west

A luxury beachfront apartment at Rainbow Bay has more than doubled in value since it sold off the plan six years ago, setting a new local apartment record in the process.

The three-bedroom apartment in the Flow development on Petrie Street, the first of four new projects locally by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects, has sold for $7.4 million, after originally selling for $3.27 million when the project launched in 2020.

The seventh-floor apartment, comprising 187 sqm of internal living space and a 54 sqm balcony overlooking Froggies Beach and Snapper Rocks, was purchased by a local family.

The transaction was negotiated by Pezet Matheson director Kerry Pezet and equates to more than $30,000 per sqm.

Pezet said the sale reflected the limited opportunities to buy into the boutique beachfront development.

"The sale highlights the rarity of opportunities within the boutique beachfront development, where residences seldom become available," Pezet said.

"Flow is one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held buildings. Buyers from our database move quickly when residences become available, and achieving an off-market sale at $7.4 million demonstrates the depth of demand for property of this calibre."

<img alt="Flow" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c585b206-2130-4eee-a50c-3f27c51a7c70" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-06%20at%208.33.25%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=m3pHRDV62Y3fvN.XQuQHq.52ilTWpRLf" />

Flow was the first of four luxury apartment developments delivered by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay and was completed in 2023.

Positioned on the beachfront overlooking Snapper Rocks, the residence includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a powder room and views stretching north along the coastline towards Surfers Paradise.

Pezet Matheson Residential principal Mitchell Lambert said buyers continued to prioritise quality beachfront apartments in tightly held locations.

"Flow Residences offers a rare combination of elevated beachfront positioning, architectural excellence, comprehensive resident amenity and premium finishes, which is exactly what discerning purchasers are seeking," Lambert said.

"The transaction further reinforces Rainbow Bay's reputation as one of Australia's premier coastal lifestyle destinations, where limited supply and growing demand continue to support strong market performance."

Pezet Matheson originally marketed and sold out Flow off the plan, making the latest transaction a return to one of the project's original buyers.

Paul Gedoun is selling his third project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, after recently completing, and selling out, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a>. He has plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">fourth building</a>, 88 apartments on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Boundary Street</a>.

Staff reporter

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