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]

Joel Robinson

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 52-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 52-storey tower, which has just shy of 250 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]

Elevated amenity anchors daily life at Aeris, Melrose Park

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.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FH_1EzB-1vs?si=XScVlP1ERsTDJoME" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

"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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356818]

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."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356828]

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.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tsioMLcnjas?si=zq-ys3JuWpfa5hFv" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

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."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356829]

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."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351104]

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356822]

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356826]

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351102]

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.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135096]

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

Australia Post is one of the country’s most trusted institutions, powering one of the largest delivery networks in Australia. As online shopping continues to scale, Australians spent a record $82.6 billion online in 2025, with nearly one in four retail dollars now spent online.

That scale of eCommerce activity has fundamentally changed expectations around how and when parcels arrive, and what happens when someone isn't home.

<h3>Problem solved with Parcel Lockers</h3>

The traditional alternatives to home delivery are far from ideal. Buildings can rely on reception teams to manage deliveries, which introduces ongoing staffing costs and liability concerns. Parcels can be left in common areas, which creates security and aesthetic issues. Or residents are redirected to nearby Post Offices for collection, which shifts the inconvenience rather than solving it.

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The data behind that frustration is significant. Nationally, around 9 per cent of deliveries are carded, meaning the recipient was not home and must collect the parcel from a Post Office. That figure reflects the national average reported between November 2025 and January 2026. In Melbourne, that figure rises to 20 per cent. In high-density living, it climbs again to 28 per cent. In other words, more than one in four deliveries in Melbourne apartment buildings results in a failed first attempt.

<h3>How Parcel Lockers work</h3>

The mechanics are simple. When a parcel arrives, the resident receives a notification either through the Australia Post app or via SMS. They scan a QR code, use their one-time PIN and the compartment opens. The parcel is secure, accessible and removed from the lobby floor.

Located in thoughtfully chosen, easily accessible areas, including external building interfaces, mixed-use precincts or shared communal zones, Parcel Lockers enhance convenience without requiring internal building access or additional operational oversight.

<h3>The scale of the network</h3>

This expansion represents Australia Post's largest investment in parcel infrastructure to date, building on momentum that began in 2011 when the first 24 Parcel Locker sites were introduced.

Today the Australia Post Parcel Locker network spans over 1,400 locations and more than 105,000 individual compartments, with major investment already underway to significantly expand the network further.

<h3>What it means for developers and building operators</h3>

A Parcel Locker bank is free to install and free for residents to use. That removes one of the primary barriers to adoption and shifts the conversation from cost to integration.

Australia Post's preference is to engage with developers during the design phase. That allows Parcel Lockers to be located in a considered, publicly accessible space that works for residents and the broader community. Retrofit is possible, and existing buildings can be assessed, but the strongest results occur when Parcel Lockers are treated as part of the core services plan rather than a bolt-on solution.

While the iconic Australia Post red is widely recognised, Parcel Lockers can also be delivered in more muted palettes such as beige or green to align with architectural intent.

For developers, they offer a tech-forward amenity that meets modern expectations, a reduction in courier congestion and building-management load supporting lower emissions and better ESG outcomes, and a meaningful marketability advantage in high-density, eCommerce-active areas, all at no cost for installation and maintenance, with Australia Post funding the program aside from power access.

<h3>Who's using them</h3>

Generational shopping behaviours show strong, sustained growth across all cohorts. Millennials (27–43) led online spend in 2024, contributing nearly $25 billion. Baby Boomers (60–78) increased their online spend by 17.6 per cent, becoming the fastest-growing adopters. Gen Z (13–26) and Gen X (44–59) continue to lean on delivery services as part of their everyday shopping habits.

Internationally, uptake is even more pronounced. Overseas markets are seeing rapid adoption by both developers and consumers, positioning Parcel Lockers as standard infrastructure in many new residential projects. For Melbourne's development community, this signals a shift in baseline expectations. Just as secure bike storage and dedicated parcel rooms have become more common, integrated Parcel Locker networks may soon be viewed as part of the essential service mix.

<h3>The bigger picture</h3>

Parcel Lockers aren't just a logistics fix. Developers invest heavily in lobby design, materials, lighting and landscaping to shape first impressions. Yet a stack of unattended parcels can undo that effort in an instant. Embedding parcel infrastructure early allows projects to respond to how people actually live today, supporting resident satisfaction, reducing operational strain and aligning with broader community and ESG outcomes.

As Belinda Quinn, Senior Transaction Manager – Retail &amp; Out of Home at Australia Post, puts it, residents increasingly expect delivery solutions that align with real life, are flexible, secure and available whenever they need them.

How Australia Post is solving the parcel problem for apartment living

<html><body>
Mosman, the Point Nepean region and Albert Park have notched up the highest level of residential renovation approvals over the past year.
The number of Australian home owners undertaking renovations on an annual basis has hit a recent four year, post-GFC high, according to research released by Westpac.
Some $600 million worth of residential renovations and conversions were approved in August 2014. 
Westpac noted of home owners who renovate to make extra room, more than a third choose to renovate instead of move as they do not want to pay stamp duty fees (36%) or do not want the inconvenience or cost of moving home (36%). 
But the key is that 71% simply want to stay in the same area.
The Westpac Renovation Report, compiled by RP Data and Sweeney Research, has Sydney's Mosman with $76 million as the most renovated location (by value approvals) in Australia. No details are given as to the number of houses under renovation.
The Victorian Point Nepean region - around Portsea and Sorrento - came in second with more than $41 million in residential approvals over the past year for the pricey location at the most westerly point of the Mornington Peninsula, in Victoria.
“Favourable market conditions across Australia means that many home owners have seen the value of their properties rise.
"As a result, one quarter of Australians have been able to service additional borrowings to tap into this added value and extend or improve their home further and stay in their preferred location rather than moving to a bigger home elsewhere,” said Gai McGrath, Westpac general manager of retail banking.
While 64% of renovators still finance their home improvements through savings, some 26% of those aged 18-54 are choosing to finance their renovations by increasing or topping up their home loan.
“Existing home owners who may once have looked to upgrade into a new home are choosing instead to renovate, adding desired rooms, features and cosmetic changes," Gai McGrath said.
“This can be a smart investment strategy as it means avoiding the costs associated with upgrading to a new home, like moving services and stamp duty.
“If you are renovating, not only are you improving your current surroundings and tailoring your home to suit your needs, but it can also add value to your property if you come to sell in the future.”
Top areas for renovation (by value) in Australia over the past 12 months (RP Data):
<table style="width: 460px;" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="229">
SA2 Region
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="96">
State
</td>
<td valign="top" width="192">
Value of residential approvals 12 months to August 2014
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="229">
Mosman
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="96">
NSW
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="192">
$76,357,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="229">
Point Nepean
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="96">
VIC
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="192">
$41,765,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="229">
Albert Park
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="96">
VIC
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="192">
$41,371,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="229">
Brighton
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="96">
VIC
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="192">
$35,255,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="229">
Coogee - Clovelly
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="96">
NSW
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="192">
$33,468,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="229">
Richmond
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="96">
VIC
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="192">
$32,341,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="229">
Toorak
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="96">
VIC
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="192">
$32,083,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="229">
Hawthorn
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="96">
VIC
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="192">
$31,714,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="229">
Malvern - Glen Iris
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="96">
VIC
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="192">
$31,692,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="229">
Willoughby - Castle Cove - Northbridge
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="96">
NSW
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="192">
$29,259,000
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
RP Data compiled Australian Bureau of Statistics dwelling approvals data from 2004 to present, using projects where the value of work done was at least $10,000. 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Mosman, Portsea and Albert Park are reno central

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With the amount of popularity renovation shows multiplying over the last decade, many people now chose to go down the DIY path to spruce up their homes and investments.
Last year the value of alterations and additions to residential buildings was estimated to be over $500 million, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
All up, investors are claiming $25 billion worth of rental reductions every year.
With the help of Tyron Hyde and his book, <a href="https://www.claim-it.com.au/" target="_blank">Claim It! A Property Investor’s and Developers Guide to Depreciation</a>, Property Observer takes a look at 10 depreciation considerations for every renovator.
<img src="/images/2014/07/04/yellow-one.jpg" alt="" style="float: left;">What you are claiming?
Around June every year the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) issues a warning to property investors to be careful about what they claim. Their major warning is aimed at people who are claiming repairs. Investors often claim repairs that are illegitimate. Things such as renovations or replacing broken features are not repairs; rather they are capital improvements, something that an investor cannot claim. This can be a gray area and can get quite confusing.
Consider these questions before deciding whether you can claim the work as a repair or whether you need to depreciate the work over time:
<ul>
<li>Was the work related to the wear and tear of the property while it was an income producing asset for you?</li>
<li>Were the repairs carried out when you initially brought the property? If so, these are defined as ‘initial repairs’ and cannot be claimed as an outright deduction.</li>
<li>Did you replace a whole item in its entirety? If so this is not a repair</li>
<li>Did you improve the material when you carried out the work? If so, this is called a capital improvement, not a repair, and is to be depreciated. </li>
</ul>
Source: Tyron Hyde, Claim It!
<img src="/images/2014/07/04/yellow-two.jpg" alt="" style="float: left;">There is more to making a profit than just a good renovation
One of the major mistakes investors make is having a mindset of: “The faster the completion, the sooner the returns”. Although in some cases this is true, at other times investors are so fixated on improving their properties that they miss out on gains that they could have been getting even while they are still planning out their renovations.
The point is to always be on the lookout for things that can turn a profit.
<img src="/images/2014/07/04/yellow-three.jpg" alt="" style="float: left;">What are you getting rid of?
Throwing away items that can later be claimed as depreciation assets is a mistake that investors commonly make. When renovating a property, its old unusable features (e.g. an old dishwasher) can still be claimed as a tax deduction. In the situation where the item cannot be recovered after being thrown out, with photographic proof and the help of a quantity surveyor it can still result in you gaining some return on the item.
It is important to note that the property must have been earning income for some time before the purchase was made in order to claim any residual or scrapping value. 
<img src="/images/2014/07/04/yellow-four.jpg" alt="" style="float: left;">Identify the values of your items
The values of old items in your property are the basis of the tax deductions you can get at the end of the first year of ownership. Without these values no tax deduction can initially be calculated.
So before throwing away old items in your income producing property identify the original values of these items by holding an inspection with a quantity surveyor.
<img src="/images/2014/07/04/yellow-five.jpg" alt="" style="float: left;">Finishing a depreciation schedule in time
The depreciation schedule you get on your property before renovation starts backs up your depreciation claims on old assets. It doesn’t back up any new assets put in once the house has been renovated. In order to claim these new assets a new depreciation schedule must be conducted before renovation finishes.
Article continues on the next page. Please click below.
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
<img src="/images/2014/07/04/yellow-six.jpg" alt="" style="float: left;">Know what can be written off
Once renovations have been completed many investors think they can start writing off any newly installed assets, but this is not the case. A new item has to depreciate over its useful lifetime or the time frame specified for that item to last, before it needs replacing. As mentioned earlier you can run into many problems with the ATO when trying to claim something that is not a repair.  
<img src="/images/2014/07/04/yellow-seven.jpg" alt="" style="float: left;">Items you can’t depreciate
Although we can claim the depreciation of a property investment as a tax deduction not all construction costs are eligible to be claimed.
Here are some of the things that don’t qualify:
<ul>
<li>Demolition costs</li>
<li>Site clearing- It is important to note that excavating the site for a basement can be claimed as that’s considered part of the new basement </li>
<li>Landscaping- Landscaping elements such as retaining walls and concrete elements can be claimed. Plants don’t qualify- If it grows, you can’t claim it.</li>
<li>Developers profit</li>
</ul>
Source: Tyron Hyde, Claim It!
<img src="/images/2014/07/04/yellow-eight.jpg" alt="" style="float: left;">Depreciation on older properties
For properties built before July 1985 you cannot claim any building depreciations. But if a property built before this time is then later renovated you can, in most instances claim depreciation on the renovation. As long as the renovation took place after 1985, you are entitled to depreciate them.
A renovation on an older property that includes carpets, new blinds, a new bathroom and a new kitchen could cost up to $25,000. These assets can have big depreciation returns because the items being replaced have a relatively low effective life, this is the reason they needed replacing in the first place. Depreciation benefits like this can be up to $5,000 to $7,000 in just one year.  
Source: Tyron Hyde, Claim It!
<img src="/images/2014/07/04/yellow-nine.jpg" alt="" style="float: left;">Factors that the ATO use to categorise items under building or plant allowance
You can choose the effective lifetime or depreciation rate of an item that comes under the plant allowance. But for items that come under the building allowance category they must be claimed at 2.5 percent per annum. By knowing how the ATO choose what assets go into what category you can get a better understanding of what claims you can get on your assets.
The ATO determines which items go into each category based on factors such as:
<ul>
<li>The degree of affixation to the property</li>
<li>The physical life of the asset</li>
<li>Manufacturing specifications</li>
<li>Industry standards</li>
<li>The level of repairs by users of the asset</li>
<li>If the asset is leased</li>
</ul>
Source: Tyron Hyde, Claim It!
<img src="/images/2014/07/04/yellow-ten.jpg" alt="" style="float: left;">The Tax Commissioner believes the “manufacturing life” doesn’t necessarily equal the effective life
This is important to consider because the Tax Commissioner determines many assets to last for 40 years when they might not necessarily last that long.
Here is a list of items that the Tax Commissioner believes will last for 40 years but most likely won’t:
<ul>
<li>Kitchen cupboards</li>
<li>Light fittings</li>
<li>Shower Screens</li>
<li>Taps</li>
<li>Vanities</li>
<li>Floor and wall tilings in wet areas</li>
<li>Wet areas ceilings</li>
<li>Painting</li>
</ul>
Source: Tyron Hyde, Claim It!
What the tax commissioner fails to understand is that not only do some of these items fail to be effective for 40 years but also, in many cases these items need to be updated for style reasons as investors need modern assets to attract new tenants. 
It’s good to know what you’re entitled to and if you don’t find someone who does who can help you.  
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owisniewski-RiYLqnXfKH

About to renovate? The 10 depreciation considerations for every investor

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Selected former contestants of the Channel 9 reality show The Block are rumoured to go head to head against former contestants of the Channel 7 show, House Rules in the ultimate television renovation showdown next year.
Title Tattle gleans the new show, Renovation Rumble will be on Channel 9 next year, to be hosted by Scott Cam who will no doubt try to make sports announcer Michael Buffer's trademarked catchphrase, "Let's get ready to rumble!" his own.
The series is said to be produced by Watercress Production's Julian Cress and David Barbour.
Viewers will also get two series of House Rules and two of The Block in free to air television reality renovation overload next year. 
The Block was the DIY stalwart having kicked off in 2003 at Bondi Beach, but then regularly beaten by the Joanna Grigg's compered new kid who, after a slow start in 2013, often stole the ratings top spot in the fierce war for viewers.
My Kitchen Rules was the most popular series on Australian TV this year, peaking at 1.93 million viewers, according to a recent list published by if.com.au. Episodes of The Voice, The Block Glasshouse, The Block: Fans vs Faves and House Rules figured in the top 14.
<ol>
<li>MY KITCHEN RULES - TUESDAY 1,929,000  </li>
<li>MY KITCHEN RULES - MONDAY 1,901,000  </li>
<li>THE VOICE – TUESDAY 1,892,000  </li>
<li>THE VOICE - SUNDAY 1,851,000  </li>
<li>MY KITCHEN RULES – WEDNESDAY 1,846,000  </li>
<li>MY KITCHEN RULES – SUNDAY 1,769,000  </li>
<li>THE BLOCK GLASSHOUSE – SUNDAY 1,632,000  </li>
<li>THE BLOCK: FANS V FAVES – SUNDAY 1,628,000  </li>
<li>HOUSE RULES – REVEAL 1,582,000  </li>
<li>THE VOICE – MONDAY 1,563,000  </li>
<li>LOVE CHILD 1,466,000  </li>
<li>HOUSE RULES – TUESDAY 1,428,000  </li>
<li>RESURRECTION 1,412,000  </li>
<li>HOUSE RULES – WEDNESDAY 1,386,000 </li>
</ol>
Source:  if.com.au
The 2015 Renovation Rumble show has not been confirmed by Channel 9, but leaked out via Channel 7.
There has been considerable scepticism questioning why Channel 9 would want to draw attention to a top rating rival Channel 7 show especially one that will be on twice next year. 
Title Tattle would pinpoint the vast location most likely for the showdown renovation would be <a href="/expert-insights/building/confirmed-the-block-makes-octagonal-south-yarra-hotel-reservation">t</a><a href="/expert-insights/building/confirmed-the-block-makes-octagonal-south-yarra-hotel-reservation">he eight level, 34-room</a><a href="/expert-insights/building/confirmed-the-block-makes-octagonal-south-yarra-hotel-reservation"> octagonal-shaped Hotel Saville in South Yarra</a> which has been purchased by the production company of Channel 9’s The Block.
The $6.25 million sale had been suspected since June, but confirmed only recently with the Watercress Production Pty Ltd settlement documents seen by Property Observer.
Despite its obvious noteworthy architectural shape, the former hotel attracted enduring notoriety as in 2002 it was alleged Reservoir man Shane Chartres-Abbott violently raped a client in a hotel suite, with part of her tongue missing.
The gigolo Chartres-Abbott was arrested shortly after the attack with the victim's blood on his pants and her phone in his bag. With the forensic evidence, medical reports, the victim's testimony and witness statements, Chartres-Abbott presented a bizarre, headline-grabbing defence that he was a 200-year-old vampire.
Chartres-Abbott was subsequently executed outside his Reservoir home in 2003 as he left for the County Court during the rape trial.
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Renovation rumble showdown with The Block contestants v House Rules contestants?

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Stockland has launched a $640 million masterplanned community in the Wyndham growth corridor, 30 kilometres west of Melbourne.
The Grove at Tarneit sold all 55 of the available blocks on the first day of the release.
The blocks ranged in size from 333 square metres to 554 square metres and were priced from $158,200 to $225,500. 
The weekend success will be the first of 2,500 new homes in Tarneit.
The first residents in the 234-hectare community are expected in the second half of 2016. 
The Grove will offer completed homes, house and land packages along with medium density housing.
There will be 54 hectares of parkland on a site bordered by the Werribee River and Davis Creek.
Residents will have easy access to the city via the Werribee train line and the new Regional Rail Link, which is due to open in April next year.
The announcement came a day after Stockland revealed its best residential sales quarter in four years.
Its results were buoyed by improved profits from its residential business which achieved a 12.5% increase in lot sales and ended the year with a record number of contracts in hand. 
The new community at The Grove will include a 3.8-hectare town centre with a neighbourhood shopping centre.
Stockland will build a retirement village and will set aside land for new primary and secondary schools.
The Wyndham Local Government Area is one of the fastest growing corridors in Australia. In the year to June 2013, the population of the Wyndham corridor increased by around 10,800 people, representing a 6% growth rate.
Stockland general manager residential for Victoria, Mike Davis, said Stockland was well known to most people in the area because of the Allura residential community at Truganina, Point Cook Town Centre and Tarneit Skies Retirement Village.
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Tarneit's The Grove secures strong land sales for Stockland

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In the lead up to Asbestos Awareness Day on 28 November, it is a crucial time to consider your investment property and homes, as well as the safety of those who live in them.
One in three Aussie homes contains asbestos, including those constructed of brick, weatherboard, fibro and clad.
All property owners, particularly those who own a home built or renovated prior to 1987, should be aware of the dangers that asbestos can pose.
In Canberra, an Asbestos Buy Back Scheme is currently underway as a result of the <a href="/news/real-estate-agents-could-face-1-1-million-fine-for-not-disclosing-mr-fluffy-asbestos">Mr Fluffy asbestos insulation scandal</a>. The scheme involves the government purchasing affected properties and demolishing them.
Around 40 home owners have agreed to take part in scheme, according to the Asbestos Response Taskforce.
Home owners have until the end of June next year to decide whether or not this is what they want to do.
For those unable to choose this option, renovating or rebuilding can be an option. But owners must take care, explains Peter Dunphy, chair of the Asbestos Education Committee.
“There is no safe level of exposure to asbestos fibres,” said Dunphy.
“With at least one in three Australian homes containing asbestos, many home owners, renovators, tradies and handymen are putting their health and the health of families at risk when doing home renovations, maintenance and demolition if they release dangerous asbestos dust and fibres that can be inhaled and lead to asbestos-related diseases including mesothelioma.”
So where can asbestos be in your home?
Click to open in new window:
<a href="/images/2014/11/18/asbesto%20onv%2018%20one.png" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2014/11/18/asbesto%20onv%2018%20one.png" alt=""></a>
Source: Asbestos Awareness
Here is a useful <a href="https://asbestosawareness.com.au/dangers-of-asbestos-nsw/safety-facts-nsw/" target="_blank">20 point checklist for you to look at to safety check your home</a>.
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jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

Infographic: Where might you find asbestos in your property?

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Paul Nugent from Wakelin Property Advisory recently sought out SongBowden Planning’s Daniel Bowden to ask how Victoria's new planning zones affect property owners.
Bowden explained that the planning process is really about outcomes, and the primary change for residential property owners and investors has been the introduction of three zones.
These are the three zones:
<ol>
<li>
Neighbourhood Residential Zone 
</li>
<li>
General Residential Zone 
</li>
<li>Residential Growth Zone</li>
</ol>
He explains that it’s best to consider them like traffic lights in terms of how development will be accepted in those areas – that is, the Neighbourhood Residential Zone is a red light, the General Residential Zone is an orange light and the Residential Growth Zone is a green light.
For those in a Neighbourhood Residential Zone, the aim is to limit change and respect character.
For the General Residential Zone it’s to develop where appropriate and have some opportunity for development that’s not too intense.
In the Residential Growth Zones it’s about looking beyond character and maximising development opportunities.
“Developers are looking for sites in these growth zones and steering away from areas where it’s suggested to not be appropriate anymore,” said Bowden.
He explained that the controls do appear to protect residents from big development from happening next door to them in the “red” areas. However, if you own property in an area promoted for development, then your expectations are going to possibly need to change as a large development may occur next to you.
You can see their full thoughts in the video below.
{qtube vid:=R3qWakcq18o}
{mijopolls 63}
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Victoria’s three planning zones and how they affect you

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David Devine’s Metro Property Development has secured a former school site at Evanston in Gawler, 44 kilometres north of Adelaide, for $2.5 million.
The <a href="https://www.metroprop.com.au/communities/acacia-green-evanston/" target="_blank">Arcadia Green development</a> is an 81-lot subdivision that has an end value of $27 million, with marketing currently under way.
The properties are eligible for the SA Affordable Homes Program.
The regional location is best known for McLeod's Daughters, which was filmed on a property just outside Gawler's northern fringe.
Steve Weightman, director of Metro’s South Australian operations, says another site under contract is in Adelaide’s southern suburbs.
Metro Property Development, founded in 2010 in Brisbane, now has housing ventures in Melbourne, Perth and ­Sydney.
Metro, which entered the Adelaide market two years ago, is ranked the fifth-biggest home building in the state on the latest HIA Top 100 builders list.
Its Adelaide house and land packages started from $400,000, rising up to $600,000 for homes closer to the CBD.
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David Devine's Metro Property expands Adelaide presence

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Hi Margaret,
Myself and a friend have decided to bid at auction for a block of land in <a href="/news">Westmead</a>, NSW.
We have verbal approval from council’s town planner to build a duplex on this land.
I appreciate it if you could help me with following:
<ul>
<li>Would the council usually be able to provide written confirmation regarding approval to build the duplex? 
</li>
<li>As this is just a block of land, what are the charges or taxes we have to pay before building. 
</li>
<li>Is there any step by step guide to go through all the formalities we need to complete post signing the contract of the land? 
</li>
<li>Do we need to make sure of anything before we go and win the auction?</li>
</ul>
Regards,
Hitesh
Margaret's answer is on the next page. Please click below.
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
Hi Hitesh,
It’s always a risk when buying a property which you think might be able to be subdivided. 
Many years ago, I purchased a block in Queensland and prior to the purchase I had a lengthy discussion with council in which I was advised that I could potentially build a triplex. Upon settlement, I commenced the approval process to be told that only a duplex would be possible. Just before I got the application finalised, the councils merged and my application for a duplex was rejected. Due to where this property is, building a single dwelling is a loss making exercise and I now have a technically useless, non-income producing block of land!
I tell this story to indicate the potential problems you could have.  The council will not provide written confirmation to you prior to bidding, as everything can change in the meantime and they will not want to be locked in.  They will simply refer you to the current town plan and the existing development application rules and suggest you use them as a guideline.
There are no taxes to pay to build, but the ‘charges’ can be endless.  Subdivision approval is complex and requires the services of town planners, architects, surveyors, geo tech experts, and engineers, to name a few.  A simple duplex subdivision can run to tens of thousands just for the approval to build and if driveways and retaining are also involved, expect to reach costs of over $100,000!
Your local council should have a guideline for subdivision approval on their website (or a document they can send you) but good luck with that! 
In my experience it is complex in the extreme, and it can be laborious translating what is actually required.  This is why it is a good idea to retain the services of a town planner, preferably one who may have previously worked for the council in question.
I’d initially download that guideline and contact a town planner prior to auction to get an idea of the costs of the subdivision.  This person will be able to quote on getting the ‘approval to subdivide’ (which is step one) but be aware that, after this step you have to carry out all works and steps outlined in this approval before your final deposited plan number will be allocated.
Regards,
Margaret
Have a property question? <a href="mailto:askmargaret@propertyobserver.com.au" target="_blank">Ask Margaret!</a>
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mlomas-KC9MUPZ6Ca

What hurdles will I need to jump to subdivide land? Ask Margaret

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After last season's auctions fizzled out, it's good to know that good Blockheads go to heaven – or at least, to have careers in renovation.
Though they may be off our screens, plenty of former contestants from The Block have continued to renovate and refurbish homes. The Block: Where are they now? 
<ul>
<li>Michael and Carlene</li>
</ul>
<img src="/images/2014/11/11/michael%20and%20carlene.jpeg" alt=""> After winning just $10,000 on The Block Glasshouse, Michael and Carlene have hit the ground running. They've launched <a href="https://cedarandsuede.com" target="_blank">Cedar&amp;Suede</a>, a design and construction company. The business is available to work on new builds, renovations or interior updates.
<ul>
<li>Alisa and Lysandra <img src="/images/2014/11/11/Alisa_Lysandra_0118_copy.jpg" alt=""> </li>
</ul>
The twice-appearing twins, who won The Block Sky High and showed up again for Fans v Faves have a homewares retail business, AL Collections. Their products include plenty of items they used on The Block, and even Alisa and Lysandra <a href="https://www.alcollections.com.au" target="_blank">t-shirts and hoodies</a>, for the true devotees.
<ul>
<li>Kyal and Kara</li>
</ul>
<img src="/images/2014/11/11/566768-f1ae33e0-86ee-11e3-8066-beb3483f8e9c.jpg" alt=""> Fans v Faves favourites Kyal and Kara now run <a href="https://www.diverseconstruct.com/" target="_blank">Diverse Design and Construct</a>, a company they launched in the wake of The Block. The young couple work on new residential builds, commercial and retail fit outs, interiors, renovations and custom cabinetry.
<ul>
<li>Brad and Lara</li>
</ul>
<img src="/images/2014/11/11/bradlara_bio.jpg" alt=""> Brad and Lara won the 2012 season of The Block. The couple have put some of their winnings (which includes Brad's share of the profit he made with Dale on The Block Fans v Faves) on a commercial property investment – the Maryville Tavern.
Buying earlier this year, the couple have been renovating the pub. Brad will reportedly be managing the project with the pub's co-owner, his cousin.
<ul>
<li>Matt and Kim <img src="/images/2014/11/11/mattkim.jpg" alt=""> </li>
</ul>
Matt and Kim, who got married earlier this year, have been a little more public about their renovation efforts than other former contestants. The couple hosted a Channel 9 special called Matt and Kim to the Rescue, where they renovated a family's home in three days.
Matt works at <a href="https://www.skyhighrenders.com" target="_blank">Sky High Renders</a>, a polished plastering company, Kim writes for past Block contestant Dani's blog, The Home Journal, and the couple also created styling packages for developer Psaros.
<ul>
<li>Bec and George <img src="/images/2014/11/11/becgeorge.jpg" alt=""> </li>
</ul>
Fellow Sky High couple Bec and George also continue to work in property and interiors. Bec works as the resident interior consultant for developer Nostra homes, while running interiors and fashion blog, <a href="https://becmarksthespot.com.au">Bec Marks The Spot</a>. According to her website, George keeps busy developing properties.
<ul>
<li>Josh and Jenna</li>
</ul>
<img src="/images/2014/11/11/jenna-and-josh-729-420x0.jpg" alt=""> After appearing on The Block in 2011 and 2013, Josh and Jenna seem to have acquired a taste for renovating and flipping properties. The couple have a business called <a href="/expert-insights/buying/blockheads-josh-and-jenna-sell-east-albury-investment-cottage">Bicker Design</a>, which specialises in "interior design, property renovation and pre sale makeovers". Earlier this year, the couple sold their renovated East Albury investment cottage.
Josh and Jenna also have a lighting range at Beacon, with items ranging from $79.95 to $599.00.
<ul>
<li>Dani and Dan <img src="/images/2014/11/11/danidan_bio.jpg" alt=""> </li>
</ul>
Dani and Dan competed on The Block 2012 and The Block All Stars, winning a total of $668,000. Since then, they've been completing two renovation projects, an East Melbourne apartment and a house in Seddon, which will be documented on their online renovation publication and retailer <a href="https://thehome-journal.com" target="_blank">The Home Journal</a>. Dan has also been keeping busy in the past few months as foreman Keith's assistant on the South Yarra set of The Block 2015.
Photos courtesy Channel 9.
 
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jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

Former Block contestants craft new careers in renovation

<html><body>
Lots, terraces and new homes will be available to purchase at the Argyle masterplanned community in Elderslie on Saturday.
Investa Land and AVJennings are developing the project, which they predict will house about 1,500 people upon completion. The Australian Bureau of Statistics recorded 4,252 residents in Elderslie in 2011.
Alan Soutar, executive general manager at AVJennings, said the available properties include completed homes and terraces, house and land packages from preferred builders and home sites. Prices begin at $257,000.
"We've already had a number of expressions of interest for houses and land at Argyle from a range of purchasers including first and second home buyers, and young families," said Soutar.
According to Cameron Holt, chief executive of Investa Land, Argyle residents will benefit from the upcoming South West Rail link, which is currently under construction.
"They can also enjoy over three and a half hectares of open space and public parks through the development, ideal for family and friends to enjoy," said Holt.
<a href="/news">Elderslie</a> is around an hour's drive south west of Sydney's CBD.
<img src="/images/2014/11/07/elderslie-nov-7-one.jpg" alt="">
</body></html>

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