Sun Property Group (SPG) has taken a major step to reinforce its commitment to consumer trust by securing Latent Defects Insurance (LDI) from Resilience Insurance for its nearly completed Willoughby development on Sydney’s Lower North Shore.

The boutique project, Aurora, comprising 12 apartments and a ground-floor commercial space, is one of few in the region to adopt the forward-thinking insurance model—offering a point of difference in a competitive market.

For Cameron Johnson, General Manager at Sun Property Group, the decision to adopt LDI was rooted in the company’s long-standing philosophy of maintaining a highly personalised relationship with its end users.

“We’ve always taken ownership over our product,” Johnson said. “Introducing LDI is not just about peace of mind for the buyer—it’s about raising the internal bar. It becomes the baseline for how we do things going forward.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=109919 project_image_fid=205006]

While hundreds of developers and builders have taken out an LDI policy from Resilience Insurance, the insurance is still relatively new to Australia. Johnson says he sees significant future potential with LDI nationwide, with both&nbsp;regulatory and market frameworks starting to evolve to support its wider use in class two buildings.

“When we started the Willoughby project, LDI was still just a concept being floated by the Building Commissioner’s office," Johnson says.

"Delays in the construction timeline gave us the unique opportunity to adopt it as the product became more available in late 2023."

That timing aligned with a shift in construction contractors on the project, which opened the door for a more collaborative and considered implementation of the insurance. According to Johnson, Resilience Insurance was proactive and solution-oriented.

“It wasn’t just about us buying a product off the shelf. It was a dialogue—how can we work together to deliver something that meets both of our needs?” he added.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=109919 project_image_fid=5717]

LDI covers major structural defects for up to 10 years post-completion and offers an alternative to the traditional developer bond held under the Department of Fair Trading’s scheme. SPG prudently factor in a two per cent cost profile for such measures into its feasibility, treating it as “business as usual.”

“What LDI does is show the consumer that we’re front-ending our responsibilities—design, delivery, documentation, execution. That whole chain of custody is assessed and independently reviewed throughout construction. It’s a rubber stamp on quality,” Johnson said.

In a region where no other nearby developments currently carry LDI, the move also creates a market differentiator. While some projects may carry an iCIRT rating, few offer the depth of protection and oversight that LDI provides, especially outside of publicly listed organisations.

Aurora is being brought to market by Henry Burke of McGrath Projects. With the recent cut in interest rates Burke expects that many first home buyers and investors will jump at the chance to buy in Aurora due to its convenient location, fantastic retail amenity, picturesque parks with leafy walks, and excellent transport connections with only one stop to Sydney CBD. He expects a local owner-occupier to secure the standout penthouse which offers 175 sqm of internal space and further 200 sqm of outdoor space.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=109919 project_image_fid=205010]

Johnson says Aurora residents will not only benefit from the first right insurance policy, which means action is taken immediately rather than often long and complicated battles as developers and builders point fingers at each other as to who created the issue, but from how it can benefit the strata communities of the building.

Many buyers, especially first-time apartment owners, have limited understanding of shared infrastructure or the responsibilities of Owners Corporations. LDI adds an important layer of education, structure, and protection.

“People want to move in and enjoy what they’ve bought. But when things go wrong, that’s when emotions and stress levels rise. The insurance policy gives owners a clearer path to resolution—an assured, regulated compensation process. It also helps equip owners and managers with the knowledge they need to maintain the building properly.”

The insurance includes tools such as service penetration matrices and access documentation—going far beyond standard build drawings. Johnson says it’s about delivering not just a home, but a sustainable, manageable asset.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=109919 project_image_fid=343670]

Sun Property Group continues to build on its strong track record across Sydney’s Lower North Shore, with an upcoming major development of its Bowen Street, Chatswood landholdings and additional projects underway in Melbourne. The team recently completed its debut Melbourne apartment project, The Brookville in Toorak, showcasing their commitment to delivering high-quality, design-led communities.

In a region where no other nearby developments currently carry LDI, the move also creates a market differentiator

Joel Robinson

Sun Property Group approaches completion of Willoughby's first apartment development with 10-year Latent Defects Insurance

Renowned developer-builder DASCO has unveiled its much-anticipated new development in the heart of Epping.

The architectural brief for Turner Studio was to “create a community where residents are completely immersed in a paradise for the senses.”

The result is <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/senso-epping-242-244-beecroft-road-epping-nsw-2121">Senso</a>, a series of buildings that have been oriented around an unrepeatable 10,000 sqm-plus site to create a facility-laden, landscape-first precinct, something of which Epping and its surrounds have not seen before.

There are 479 apartments available in a variety of floorplans across the five buildings, a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments in addition to a curated penthouse collection.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134954 project_image_fid=4553]

The apartments have been designed to appeal to the owner-occupier market, with generous floorplans, premium materials, and optional upgrades including integrated refrigeration, bespoke joinery, and motorised blinds.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/dasco-australia">DASCO</a>, who builds its own developments, is once again bringing peace of mind to its clients by taking the 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy offered by Resilience Insurance, which protects buyers against any structural or waterproofing issues for 10 years post completion of the building. This insurance can only be taken out by the builder or developer and not by individual apartment owners.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134954 project_image_fid=4552]

DASCO is known for creating more than just apartments — they create places where people connect. Senso will have over 4,000 sqm of resort-inspired communal amenity in the form of two rooftop pools, a celestial outdoor cinema, wellness club, sensory walk, and an observation deck, in addition to multiple BBQ and outdoor communal areas on multiple levels, intended to deliver a complete lifestyle offering within the residential environment.

There will be over 800 sqm of retail space on street level, which will likely be run as hospitality venues.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134954 project_image_fid=4396]

Located adjacent to the new Epping Town Centre masterplan, and just a five-minute walk from Epping Metro Station, Senso offers seamless access to Macquarie Park, Chatswood and the Sydney CBD. Families who are interested in the large two- and three-bedroom apartments are within proximity to several regarded educational institutions including Macquarie University, James Ruse Agricultural High, and Cheltenham Girls School.

The project also leverages Epping’s growing dining and retail precinct, proximity to Macquarie Centre, and access to natural assets including Terrys Creek walking trails and Boronia Park.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134954 project_image_fid=4399]

With a 33-year track record and over 7,000 dwellings delivered, DASCO continues to develop and build; a business model that enables integrated delivery and peace of mind, especially when Senso is backed by Latent Defects Insurance (LDI), providing 10 years of protection for buyers at no additional cost.

The launch of Senso Epping reinforces DASCO’s active pipeline of Sydney-based developments at a time when the market is increasingly focused on owner-occupier appeal, delivery confidence, and long-term quality.

DASCO is partnering on Senso Epping with leading Australian alternative asset management firm Metrics, which has more than $30 billion in assets under management.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134954]

DASCO reveals Senso, Epping’s first resort-style apartment development

Preliminary data by research giant Charter Keck Cramer reveals a 54 per cent decline in Build to Sell apartments across Australia's capital cities, while the Build to Rent boom continues with a 378 per cent increase over the last five years.

Charter Keck Cramer's upcoming National State of the Market Report - Key Metropolitan Areas, scheduled for release in September, will reveal&nbsp;a dramatic transformation in apartment supply patterns across Australia's capital cities between FY2016-2020 and FY2021-2025.

The Build to Sell (BTS) apartment sector has experienced a substantial contraction, with total supply falling by 54 per cent compared to the previous five-year period. The decline represents a reduction of 149,200 apartments across all capital cities.

<img alt="BTS Charter Keck Cramer" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3db2ddf3-e7c0-481f-b8b9-63efb365cb80" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-08-20%20at%2011.26.34%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=bsQl8inhZA7FeiPamnGvw1tse0obBdSd" />

Sydney led the downturn with a decrease of 73,600 apartments, followed by Melbourne (-42,800) and Brisbane (-26,800). Perth and Adelaide also recorded significant declines of 6,400 and 2,400 apartments respectively. Only Gold Coast and Canberra bucked the trend, with modest increases of 500 and 2,300 apartments.

In stark contrast, the Build to Rent (BTR) sector has emerged as a major force in the apartment market, recording a remarkable 378% increase in supply. This growth added 8,590 apartments across the capital cities during FY2021-2025. Melbourne dominated BTR growth with 6,160 additional apartments, while Sydney contributed 2,100 units. Brisbane and Canberra also recorded growth of 800 and 330 apartments respectively. Gold Coast and Perth recorded minor declines, while Adelaide maintained steady levels.

<img alt="BTR CKC" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ca13ffd4-ab93-4828-afd2-4c3dccbd2b51" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-08-20%20at%2011.28.54%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=SXNnpcJuFD36ViWOwF6izBBqcQc3NWao" />

“These preliminary findings indicate a fundamental shift in Australia's apartment development landscape, with traditional Build to Sell models giving way to institutional Build to Rent developments,” said Richard Temlett, Charter Keck Cramer’s National Executive Director of Research.

"This transition reflects changing investor preferences, regulatory environments and housing affordability challenges across major metropolitan areas.”

The complete Charter Keck Cramer National State of the Market Report – Key Metropolitan Areas will provide comprehensive analysis of these trends, their underlying drivers and implications for developers, investors and policymakers when released in September.

Build to Sell apartment supply drops 54% in five years across Australian capital cities

Verso Development Group is seeking to bring over 1,100 apartments to the heart of Brisbane's Toowong, with plans filed for a $1 billion, triple tower development known as Toowong Central.

The landmark urban regeneration project "aims to reshape the core of Brisbane’s inner-west riverside suburb."

Covering over 1.4-hectares across&nbsp;Sherwood Road, High Street, and Jephson Street, Toowong Central has been designed by KHA and will comprise three towers rising 49, 55, and 58 levels.

<img alt="Toowong Central" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="48611e3d-7123-4b99-b2cb-bfa4bc98024f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/amenities.png?VersionId=yKBexB.BgCkq4OET8fHDkWs0d3DjxOKJ" />

According to the Urban Context Report prepared by Urbis, Toowong Central is positioned as a “city-defining precinct reclaiming Toowong as ‘the best destination in the west’,” with a vision to deliver density differently, strengthen Toowong’s identity, and lead subtropical urban design.

There will be a wide range of apartment configurations, from one-bedrooms to five-bedroom penthouses, as well as short-term accomodation offerings. The design prioritises pedestrian permeability, with an activated public realm featuring a central civic plaza, laneways, and street-level retail and dining.

“The central square’s structure, programming, scale and location creates a social anchor - shaped by its edges, flexible for use, and animated by a diversity of experiences throughout the day and into the evening,” the Urban Context Report noted, reinforcing the project's ambition to become a vibrant community destination.

Design excellence was pursued through an international design competition, attracting entries from renowned practices such as UNStudio and BIG. KHA’s winning design distinguished itself with a ceremonial approach to the public realm, integrating terraces, tiered seating, and green infrastructure to promote social interaction and resilience.

The development builds upon two existing approvals: the 25- and 20-storey towers of the Aviary Toowong proposal, and a separate 25- and 24-storey approval at 88 Jephson Street. Consolidation of these fragmented landholdings under a precinct-wide approach allows for increased community value and cohesive urban integration.

Urbis Director Nicholas Stevenson said Toowong Central will bridge the gap in Toowong's current experience, unlocking the potential of the wider precinct.

"Overcoming experiential constraints and leveraging contextual advantages – Toowong Central will redefine Brisbane's inner west.”

<img alt="Toowong Central" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="73f7a702-625d-452d-9df2-30a0863ac1e8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/master.png?VersionId=TZdh6wxGC_8IIroXpdkZfuhlS8mFZnea" />

Toowong Central’s ambition extends beyond residential and commercial outcomes. Uses under consideration include a world-class hotel, university facilities, a museum, and health and wellness services, reflecting its role as a western gateway to Brisbane’s growing innovation corridor between the CBD and the University of Queensland.

Urbis Managing Partner James Tuma said Brisbane has no greater opportunity to showcase the future of urban living than Toowong – a sustainable, economically vibrant, and people-centric place that embodies the best of Brisbane.

[The plans] gives us a glimpse into our future as a globally relevant, youthful, entrepreneurial, and distinctly subtropical city.”

$1 billion Toowong Central to deliver 1,100 apartments to undersupplied Brisbane market

In <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/runaway-bay-qld-4216">Runaway Bay</a>, new townhouse-scale waterfront residences are rare - but ones built to the standards found on Sovereign Island are almost unheard of.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/ocean-suites-on-jennifer-10-12-jennifer-avenue-runaway-bay-qld-4216">Ocean Suites on Jennifer</a>&nbsp;changes that, delivering a calibre of construction and detailing that places its seven villas well above the typical market offering in this northern Gold Coast pocket.

Ocean Suites on Jennifer will be move-in ready before Christmas this year, giving buyers the chance to spend the summer on the water in one of Runaway Bay’s rare new waterfront residences.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138718 project_image_fid=214444]

The development is a collaboration between <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/stuart-osman">Stuart Osman Design</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sand-side-developments">Sand Side Developments</a>, with construction by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/alroe-constructions">Alroe Constructions</a>.

Architect Stuart Osman says the intent from the outset was to create a home people would be drawn to. “When you build anything, the design is to make you want to go hang out in this house,” he says.&nbsp;

Ocean Suites on Jennifer’s design features a front façade softened with planter boxes, rear pool areas, and rooftop decks looking over the water.&nbsp;

Inside, voids and high skylights bring daylight deep into the centre of each home, while ceiling heights of 2.85 metres maintain a strong sense of volume.

Each four-level residence spans 345 to 388 sqm, with layouts accommodating multi-generational living - a ground-floor bedroom suite for older family members and upper levels for the rest of the household. A lift connects all floors.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138718 project_image_fid=214435]

For Andrew Erwin, Director at NPA, the project’s appeal lies in both its location and the detail in execution.&nbsp;

"At Ocean Suites, you’ve got a canal-front setting with direct Broadwater access and a level of finish you’d normally only see in the city’s most prestigious addresses. The four-level layouts, the glass-framed living areas, the private pools, even the extended kitchens, every part of it has been designed with the buyer in mind,” he says.

Those buyers have so far been a mix of Gold Coast locals and interstate purchasers, many seeking a lock-up-and-leave holiday home or a downsized residence without sacrificing space for visiting family.&nbsp;

Older households with teenage children are a recurring profile, drawn to layouts that support multi-generational living and the ability to host extended stays.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138718 project_image_fid=214432]

Material selection reinforces the project’s quality-first ethos, with every home appointed to a premium standard. Kitchens and ensuites feature engineered stone surfaces, complemented by prestige oak engineered timber floors, Victorian ash hardwood staircases, and soft loop-pile carpet.

Premium lighting, statement pendants, ceiling fans, and Fujitsu ducted air conditioning elevate both comfort and design. Each residence also includes a suite of high-end appliances as standard - Fisher &amp; Paykel integrated fridges, Bosch ovens, induction cooktops and dishwashers, Vintec wine fridges, and Franke sinks.

Beyond the interiors, residents enjoy an enviable lifestyle with rooftop terraces, private plunge pools, fire pit areas, outdoor showers, smart home automation, laundry chutes, and private pontoons.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138718 project_image_fid=214452]

With no additional upgrade costs, Sand Side Developments underscores its no-shortcuts approach, delivering homes where luxury and amenity come as standard.

Osman adds that the kitchen has been designed as “the main hub of the house” with six metres high skylights above a galley-style layout that “makes it feel bigger, brighter, whiter” and “brings light into the centre of the home.”

Both architect and builder emphasise a shared commitment to delivering the intended design without compromise. “Working with Alroe’s structural team and their construction team, it’s been great to make sure that the look and feel that was originally intended is the result achieved at the end of the project,” Osman says.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138718 project_image_fid=214453]

Outdoor living has been given equal consideration, with rooftop terraces designed for entertaining with a fire pit and bar, and spacious undercover patios featuring private plunge pools.

The marine access is as carefully executed as the homes themselves. An eight-metre gangway leads to a six-metre private pontoon capable of mooring vessels up to 30 feet, just 300 metres by water from the Broadwater.&nbsp;

Even the orientation of each villa has been optimised to capture long views down the canal, across the Broadwater, and south to Main Beach.

With construction in its final stages, just three of the seven villas remain, priced from $3.365 million to $3.695 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=138718]

Sovereign Island standards come to Runaway Bay with Ocean Suites on Jennifer

The Block

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An apartment in the Port Melbourne The Block 2016 conversion has been sold having come with an asking price between $1.8 million and $1.98 million.

The three-level apartment at 7/164 Ingles Street was not one of the apartments whose renovation was aired.

It was instead renovated by builders from Liefting Merlo Homes who bought the space in 2017, after the reality TV show had wrapped.

Bekdon Richards Hawthorn agent Paul Richards had the listing of the three bedroom, three bathroom apartment. The sale price has not been revealed.

It was briefly listed in 2019, with $1.78 million to $1.9 million hopes, and up for rent when offered last year with a $1200 weekly asking rental.

The ground floor comes with bedroom, study nook and bathroom with heated flooring. 

The first floor has an open plan lounge, dining space, and a stone kitchen with large wine fridge.  

The very top level boasts two bedrooms including the master retreat.

The building was a Velvet soap factory.

The 12th season of the Channel 9 show saw Queensland contestants William Bethune and Karlie Cicero take home $815,000 prize money after their winning $2.6 million sale.

The show’s host Scott Cam spent $2.2 million in 2017 to secure the apartment that all five contestant couples renovated.
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The three-level apartment at 7/164 Ingles Street was not one of the apartments whose renovation was aired

jchancellor

Apartment in Port Melbourne The Block 2016 conversion sold

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The Prahran apartment renovated on The Block in 2014 by contestants Darren and Dea Jolly has been resold at $2.2 million.

The apartment from the Glasshouse season of The Block fetched $820,000 more than its $1.38 million sale on the show’s finale.

The three-bedroom apartment at 6/125 High Street fetched above its $1.9 million price guide at its mid-February auction given four bidders.

“I think Prahran is a bit of an iffy suburb,’’ Dea said after its 2014 result.

“It was a bizarre result,’’ she told the Herald Sun.

“You have two apartments who kill it, and three just die, it’s just not what nobody would have guessed.

“One apartment that did well was facing the south with all that noise, and the other had no external windows.”
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The apartment from the Glasshouse season of The Block fetched $820,000 more than its $1.38 million sale on the show’s finale

Prahran apartment from The Block 2014 resold for a profit

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The Prahran apartment renovated by Darren and Dee Jolly on the 2014 series of The Block has hit the market for the first time.

The two-level warehouse conversion last sold for $1.38 million in 2014.

It has just been listed again through Marshall White Fraser Cahill with a price range of $1.65 million to $1.75 million.

The three bedroom, two bathroom space at 6/125 High Street was one of the five residences in a building known as The Glasshouse.

It comes with a gourmet kitchen with four Bosch ovens, including a steamer, and a butler’s pantry.

It was previously office space.

Offers are due February 23.

The marketing advises the addresses of recently sold comparable property as:

<ol>
<li>14/7 Gordon Street Toorak 3142 - $1,800,000</li>
	<li>1901/572 St Kilda Road Melbourne 3004 - $1,800,000</li>
	<li>1003/454 St Kilda Road Melbourne 3004 - $1,690,000</li>
</ol>
There was a resale of 5/125 High Street in 2019 with its 232 sqm space fetching $2,275,000 having fetched $1,724,000 at its 2014 auction.
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The Prahran apartment renovated by Darren and Dee Jolly on the 2014 series of The Block has hit the market for the first time

Darren and Dee Jolly's 2014 The Block unit offered for the first time

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The Killarney Vale couple Kara and Kyal Demmrich – contestants on Channel Nine's The Block Albert Park series – have bought again on the NSW Central Coast.
Their new home is a cottage at Bateau Bay in the Wyong municipality that cost $580,000, with the prize money they earnt coming in handy. 
<div id="description" class="stackItem">
It is an original cottage,<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-bateau+bay-117226003" target="_blank"> </a>with a north facing front yard on a level 639 square metre block, within easy walk to Shelly and Blue Lagoon Beaches.  
</div>
They sold this week for $735,000 at Killarney Vale, which is five ams away from their next project.
They bought, then renovated their first home in 2008 having paid $285,000, after getting married in February 2007.
Agent Chantel Laing-Chadwick at George Brand Real Estate Avoca Beach/Copacabana described their recently sold house as an "architectural masterpiece".
Last year the couple appeared in The Block: Fans v Faves as the so-called Super Ks.
Around the time of the April Albert Park auction, the couple indicated they were planning to launch a boutique renovations company called Diverse Design and Construct.
The couple also suggested they were considering a move from their home in the Tuggerah Lakes precinct.
“We haven’t thought about it too seriously, but our long-term goal is to get ourselves as close to the coast as possible. So we’re thinking about selling, maybe in the next 12 months," Kyal told Property Observer.
The Super Ks were given the highest reserve of any apartment – $1.9 million – after a stellar number of winning challenges and room reveals.
But they finished third behind Steve and Chantelle and Alisa and Lysandra on auction day.
They indicated they could pay off the mortgage with their $567,250 in prize money.
Bateau Bay's médian house price sits at <a href="/news">$500,000</a>, record levels, while Killarney Vale's median house price likewise tav record levels, but <a href="/news">$375,000</a>, according to CoreLogic RP Data.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

The Block's Kyal and Kara buy at Bateau Bay and sell first home

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The Block 2016 winners Will and Karlie are selling their first renovated home.
The Rochedale South property, near Logan, was inherited by the new parents from Will's father, also named Will.
They renovated the home, built in the mid-1980s, converting the garage in to a master bedroom retreat.
It has four bedrooms in total and one bathroom on its 630 sqm.
The kitchen has been positioned at the centre of the home, while an adjoining family room and dining area has been fitted with a bar.
<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/2020/DEC/3/Will%202.jpg" alt="">
They've left the fully fenced back yard to the new owners, leaving the undercover patio a blank canvas. It's being marketed as having plenty of space for a pool.
They posted the listing to their 25,000 Instagram followers on their joint account, suggesting it was “no Block masterpiece”.
“Our first home is now for sale! This is no Block masterpiece however it is filled with some pretty incredible memories! Let’s hope the new owners can fill this home with some pretty amazing memories also.”
Ray White have the listing.
 
 
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firstname1-iYD4UYzvBa

The Block 2016 winners Will and Karlie list in Logan

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The comedian Dave Hughes, and past Block buyer, inspected Block 2020 Brighton houses on auction eve.
His Friday inspection came before tomorrow's auctions of the five New Street houses.
The houses have indicative price guides ranging between $3.2 million and $3.4 million.
"Hughesie is possibly looking at his second one," Scott Cam advised.
"It is just a look," Hughes advised.
"I do the numbers .... they are good buying.
"There's more money spent on them than they get at auction," Hughes told 3MMM's Hot Breakfast.
"They are like the Elsternwick ones....people love living in them," Hughes added advising he currently had a surgeon has his tenants in his Elsternwick investment. 
Hughes <a href="/news/comedian-dave-hughes-buys-the-block-elsternwick-winner-from-josh-and-elyse">bought Elyse Knowles and Josh Barker's house in 2017 for $3.067 million</a>, and earlier this year, the comedian listed the five-bedroom home for rent at $2,000 per week.
Hughesy joked with Marty Fox, who has listed Melbourne local's Harry and Tash's home for this season, about buying another one of the homes from the Elsternwick series.
It was the home that finished runner up on the show for Jason Price and Sarah Windebank. Hughesy initially wanted the home before buying the show's winner, but he ruled out any swoop.
That's now for sale for $3.4 million to $3.74 million, having sold on auction night for $3,007,000.
New South Wales couple Sarah and George (their home pictured above), are favourites to take out the 2020 series of The Block, followed by Jimmy and Tam who scored the most points from the judges throughout the prolonged season.
The comedian was in attendance when the<a href="/news/comedian-dave-hughes-attends-the-block-final-auctions"> Port Melbourne as The Block apartments</a> went under the hammer.
Despite registering to bid for one of the five apartments, Hughes did not raise his paddle during the televised finale.
PREVIOUS BLOCK WINNERS 2003 - BONDI – Adam &amp; Fiona, $256,000 2004 - MANLY – Jamie &amp; Andrew, $178,000 2010 - VAUCLUSE – John &amp; Neisha, $305,000 2011 - RICHMOND – Polly &amp; Waz, $115,000 2012 - SOUTH MELBOURNE – Brad &amp; Lara, $606,000 2013 - ALL STARS (BONDI) – Phil &amp; Amity, $395,000 2013 - SKY HIGH (SOUTH MELBOURNE) – Alisa &amp; Lysandra, $395,000 2014 - FANS v FAVES (ALBERT PARK) – Steve &amp; Chantelle, $736,000 2014 - GLASSHOUSE (PRAHRAN) – Shannon &amp; Simon, $435,000 2015 - TRIPLE THREAT (SOUTH YARRA) – Darren &amp; Deanne, $935,000 2015 - THE BLOCKTAGON (SOUTH YARRA) – Dean &amp; Shay, $755,000 2016 - THE BLOCK 2016 (PORT MELBOURNE) – Will &amp; Karlie, $815,000 2017 - THE BLOCK 2017 (ELSTERNWICK) – Josh &amp; Elyse, $547,000 2018 - THE BLOCK GATWICK (ST KILDA) – Hayden &amp; Sara, $645,000 2019 - THE BLOCK OSLO (ST KILDA) – Tess &amp; Luke, $730,000
 
 
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Comedian Dave Hughes inspects Block 2020 Brighton houses on auction eve

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The Block has opened casting for 2021.

Couples must be aged between 18-65, energetic and with a sense of humour and available for a 10-12 week shoot period from late February, 2021.

Exact dates and its location are yet to be confirmed.

But first round couples will be reduced to final participants in the first week of filming.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=25281]

The deadline is 27th September 2020. Contestants will not be able to work during the shoot period.

Previous home renovation experience is an asset, but not required from both partners.

Successful participants will be paid a nominal weekly fee during filming of The Block to cover basic living costs and expenses.

Out of a 45,000 entries, ten contestants were selected for The Block 2019.

It will be the 17th season with <a href="https://www.castasugar.com/casting-now/block2021" target="_blank">applications being taken here</a>.

Filming of the current 16th season was interrupted by the pandemic.

The contestants left the site for their homes across Australia a month into production.

The contestants started production of the 2020 series in late February.

Harry (57) and Tash (32) — The first father and daughter renovation duo, an IT manager and a social media project manager from Melbourne.

Sarah (27) and George (33) — Teacher and electrician from Sydney.

Daniel (35) and Jade (34) — Farmer and hairdresser from Wandearah in South Australia.

Luke (35) and Jasmin (36) — Chippy and teacher from Perth.

Jimmy (33) and Tam (31) — Plumber and bar manager from Brisbane.

More than a third of the season had been shot.

Nine's production company spent $14.96 million on the 2,770 sqm site of the demolished former Andrina Private Nursing home just off Brighton's Golden Mile. 

It was bought from Nick Williams, son of horse trainer Lloyd Williams.

Williams had plans for 13 townhouses on the block.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3730]

The series' five houses are tipped to fetch $3.5 million plus.

Scott Cam and co-host Shelley Craft returned to the latest series, along with judges Neale Whitaker, Shaynna Blaze and Darren Palmer, foreman Keith Schleiger and his right-hand man (and former Blockhead), Dan Reilly.

 

 

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Applications for The Block 2021 are open

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Matt and Kim’s apartment on The Block Sky High has resold for $1.9 million.
The apartment was transformed on the Sky High series by Matt and Kim Di Costa.
It hit the market for the second time since the 2013 show wrapped.
The three-bedroom pad at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-vic-south+melbourne-133393982" target="_blank">201/142 Park St, South Melbourne</a>, had $2 million to $2.2 million price hopes.
The apartment is the only one in the building that has a walk-in cellar.
It also has the most bathrooms.
The apartment sold for $1.455 million in season 7 of The Block, with the WA couple placing third and pocketing $250,000 profit. 
The pad was raking in up to $1600 a week as a rental before it sold for $1.9 million in October 2017.
It was most recently leased for $1450 a week in early 2019. 
Matt and Kim listed it on <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-south+melbourne-114301027" target="_blank">realestate.com.au</a> saying the apartment features “professional craftsmanship, exacting standards and the highest quality of materials, appliances, furniture and finishes together with superlative design to create an opulent home and entertainment paradise.”
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Matt and Kim's The Block Sky High South Melbourne apartment resells at disappointing price

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A new renovation calculator launched by Suncorp, and powered by CoreLogic, is helping renovators to estimate the cost of home renovations.
The calculator has been launched in parallel with Channel 9’s The Block which kicked off on television screens across Australia on Sunday, 23 August.
Renovators can use the calculator to quickly determine the estimated costs of various home renovations in any particular suburb, with an extensive range of renovation types.
The calculator provides estimates of renovation costs from internal painting, to a complete bathroom redesign, with each renovation project providing a question string that generates a separate estimated cost depending on the user’s answers.
Suncorp Executive General Manager Lending, Glenn Haslam said the renovation calculator is a useful tool for keen renovators to get a better understanding of the costs associated with their home renovation goals.
“Finances are top of mind for most Australians and with people spending more time at home, we know that many Aussies are starting to think about how they can make their house feel more like home,” Mr Haslam said.
“Before starting any renovation it’s important to start with a budget. Suncorp’s renovation calculator helps provide tangible guidance on the likely cost you could face depending on the scale of your renovation."
“Our Suncorp lenders and brokers can also help prospective renovators understand options to finance their renovation while also balancing their financial goals,” Mr Haslam said.
Lisa Claes, CEO of CoreLogic International said, “As a core sponsor of The Block, Suncorp was searching for a meaningful tool that would help people understand the costs of different types of renovations. The renovation tool utilises data which is updated quarterly to estimate the cost of renovations, including trades, services and materials based on the customer’s location and quality of fixtures used. All facets of the build, including labour and materials, are incorporated, which helps to more effectively estimate the total cost.”
The renovation trend in Australia has been steadily increasing, especially in the current climate with people spending more time at home contemplating home improvements.
“Schemes such as the HomeBuilder grant have also meant that more people are inclined towards a renovation over relocation,” Mrs Claes said.
The Suncorp Renovation Calculator powered by CoreLogic can be accessed at <a href="https://renovation-calculator.corelogic.com.au/suncorp">https://renovation-calculator.corelogic.com.au/suncorp</a>.
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Suncorp launches CoreLogic powered renovation calculator

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A South Melbourne apartment featured in 2013’s season of The Block has hit the market with a $2 million to $2.2 million price guide.
The three bedroom, four bathroom home is for sale for the second time after it was taken to auction as part of The Block/
It boasts a teppanyaki grill, wine room, solar power, butler’s pantry, Bosch ovens and two car spaces, and is listed through Belle Property Albert Park’s Stephanie Evans and David Wood.
The first West Australian couple on the block, Matt and Kim, renovated the residence for the 2013 series of the show, which transformed a former hotel into apartments.
It sold at that year’s auctions for $1.455 million, netting the couple $250,000 in profit and third place on the show. They have since gone on to create a concrete furniture brand.
The home first sold for $1.455 million, then resold for $1.9 million in 2017.
Mr Wood said the current owners, who had leased out the property, have had a change in their real estate requirements, but noted the price growth evident in the home’s transaction history.
 
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