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]

Joel Robinson

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

Virgate Property Group is preparing to commence construction of Verdé, its new apartment development in Melbourne's Arts Precinct at Southbank, following a strong run of sales that has seen more than half of the project's 173 apartments secured.

Verdé has attracted a broad mix of first home buyers, owner-occupiers upgrading from nearby inner-city suburbs and investors, with younger owner-occupier couples aged between 28 and 45 accounting for the strongest enquiry. Many are already living in Southbank, South Melbourne, Albert Park, Port Melbourne, South Yarra and the CBD.

"Verdé is located in one of the most desirable pockets of southern Melbourne," Blair Property Group Director Darren Blair, who is managing sales at Verdé, said.

"It's within walking distance of the Arts Centre, Royal Botanic Gardens, Albert Park Lake, and Southbank's restaurants and retail. It's a great lifestyle location with strong amenity and liveability, which made it a very attractive choice for the project."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372549]

Virgate was already familiar with the precinct, having previously delivered the successful Domain House development in neighbouring South Melbourne. That experience gave the developer confidence to acquire the Coventry Street site and continue expanding its presence in Melbourne's inner south.

"We had been keeping an eye on the site and the broader precinct for a few months before deciding to move forward with the acquisition," Virgate said.

The project was ultimately secured in 2020 following feasibility studies, planning assessments and due diligence, with the brief centred on delivering "a high-quality, considered design that feels both refined and fit for purpose."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=314259]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bruce-henderson-architects">Bruce Henderson Architects</a>, Verdé comprises 173 one, two and three-bedroom apartments priced from $599,000. The architecture is distinguished by a faceted glass façade that responds to both the site's outlook and Melbourne's changing light conditions.

According to Bruce Henderson Architects, the coloured glazing gives the building a distinctive identity while also providing privacy and solar shading, with residences oriented to capture views across the bay, city skyline and surrounding parklands.

Inside, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/designoffice">DesignOffice</a> has created interiors focused on natural light, efficient planning and enduring materials. Apartments feature engineered oak flooring, natural stone benchtops, floor-to-ceiling glazing and SMEG appliances, while a restrained material palette aims to complement the expansive outlooks rather than compete with them.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372550]

Resident amenity has also been designed around everyday functionality rather than occasional use. Facilities include a concierge-serviced lobby, residents' lounge with fireplace, library and co-working space, gym, terrace garden with barbecue facilities, ground-floor café, and package delivery management.

The project's location continues to be one of its strongest drawcards. Positioned on Coventry Street, Verdé sits within walking distance of the National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne, Royal Botanic Gardens and Albert Park Lake, while Southbank's dining precinct, Sturt Street trams and the new ANZAC Station are all nearby. The surrounding education catchment also includes Melbourne Grammar, Melbourne Girls Grammar, Mac.Robertson Girls' High School and several major university campuses.

The sales team says buyers have responded particularly well to the combination of location, design quality and long-term liveability.

"They're responding really positively to the quality of the design, premium resident amenities and the uninterrupted views. Many also appreciate the location and how connected it is to everything they need."

The ability to secure stamp duty savings before completion has also been a key factor for purchasers, alongside the opportunity to personalise finishes ahead of settlement.

With construction set to commence soon and more than half the apartments already sold, Verdé enters its next phase as one of the Arts Precinct's more established apartment developments, offering remaining buyers an opportunity to secure a residence before construction advances further. Expected completion is scheduled for late 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=4661]

Virgate's Verdé Southbank moves toward construction as sales fly past halfway stage

Downsizer-focused apartment development Kooyongkoot in Hawthorn has been recognised at the 2026 Better Future Melbourne Design Awards, taking home Gold and Silver awards in two categories.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a>, currently being delivered by developer PQD and designed by Cera Stribley, received Gold in the Interior Design – Proposed category and Silver in the Architecture – Proposed category.

The dual recognition reflects the design approach behind the boutique development on prestigious Kooyongkoot Road, where the focus has been on creating homes for downsizers seeking the space, quality and functionality of a detached house within a low-rise apartment building.

Rather than maximising apartment numbers, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pqd">PQD</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a> limited the development to just 18 residences, allowing for larger floorplans, greater privacy, generous landscaping and expansive communal spaces.&nbsp;The majority of the apartments also benefit from corner aspects, allowing for dual sources of natural light.

Now around 70 per cent complete and on track for completion in November 2026, Kooyongkoot will comprise a mix of garden residences, ter​race apartments, sub-penthouses, and is crowned by two half-floor penthouses with direct lift access and private rooftop terraces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355297]

The Silver Award for Architecture recognised the way the building responds to its prominent corner position at the ent​rance to Hawthorn's Scotch Hill precinct, one of Melbourne's most established residential neighbourhoods.

Rather than competing with the grand homes that line Kooyongkoot Road, the architectural approach focused on restraint and longevity, using curved brickwork, generous landscaping and carefully considered proportions to integrate with the existing streetscape.

"The form feels fluid and timeless, as though shaped by the landscape itself – architecture that belongs, rather than competes," said Chris Stribley, Co-Founder and Managing Principal of Cera Stribley.

The judging submission also highlighted practical innovations throughout the building, including lift cores servicing only nine homes each, a central landscaped lightcourt designed to bring daylight and ventilation into the building, and fully enclosed private storage rooms with lighting, power and shelving to better accommodate residents transitioning from larger family homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355293]

The Gold Award for Interior Design recognised the project's focus on long-term liveability rather than display-home aesthetics.

According to the awards submission, the interiors were designed from the inside out, prioritising how homes would function over decades of daily use through generous proportions, practical storage, durable natural materials and flexible layouts.

The specification includes natural stone throughout, upgraded acoustic glazing, V-ZUG appliances and fully enclosed storage rooms, alongside an amenity offering focused on wellness, entertainment and everyday convenience.&nbsp;

Residents will have access to a gym and yoga studio, a wellness centre featuring traditional and infrared saunas, a cold therapy shower and treatment room, as well as a residents' lounge and golf simulator/cinema room for entertainment.&nbsp;Kooyongkoot has also considered the everyday convenience of its residents by offering a private carwash and pet wash facilities on site as well as dedicated parcel lockers and oversized fully enclosed storage rooms.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355303]

The project's attention to detail has already resonated with buyers. Earlier this year, Kooyongkoot recorded one of Boroondara's highest apartment sales when an $8 million penthouse was purchased by a Melbourne CEO downsizing from a nearby family home.

"Every detail feels deliberate, from the overall design down to the smallest touches," the purchaser said.

"The level of quality and refinement is exceptional, but what really sold it was how liveable it felt... It felt like a place where everything had been considered, not just a luxury building."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355304]

Sustainability also formed a key part of both award submissions. Kooyongkoot is targeting a minimum 7.5-star NatHERS rating across all residences, supported by passive design principles, high-performance glazing, EV charging infrastructure, water reuse systems and a wellness model focused on lower-energy dry facilities rather than pools and large wet areas.

Located within walking distance of Scotch College, Methodist Ladies' College, Koo​yong Lawn Tennis Club, Aubur​n Village and Camberwell Junction, Kooyongkoot continues to target owner-occupiers looking to remain in Melbourne's inner east without compromising on space or quality. A limited selection of two, three and four-bedroom residences remains available, with prices starting from $1.9 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102717]

Kooyongkoot wins Gold and Silver at Better Future Melbourne Design Awards

New apartment supply has become increasingly constrained across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150">Parramatta</a> in recent years, with fewer projects progressing through to completion as development conditions have become more challenging.

It makes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/novm">NOVM</a>'s 2021-completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/the-lennox-parramatta-12-phillip-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">The Lennox</a> one of the most recently completed residential towers on the Parramatta River, and among the newest apartment developments in Sydney's second CBD.

With the project largely completed before the sharp escalation in construction costs and inflation following the pandemic, The Lennox is now offering pricing that would be difficult to replicate in a comparable new development in Parramatta today, or across much of Western Sydney.

The majority of the 413 apartments at The Lennox sold before and shortly after completion. A limited release of the remaining apartments has recently been brought to market by capital partner <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a>, with entry-level pricing from $700,000 and two-bedroom apartments available from under $1 million.

Rising above the Parramatta River at 12 Phillip Street, The Lennox comprises one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, appealing to first home buyers, young professionals, families, downsizers and interstate investors seeking a completed apartment in one of Australia's fastest-growing economic centres.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=372394]

Rather than positioning Parramatta as an alternative to Sydney's CBD, Equitifund believes the city has reached a point where it stands on its own merits.

"Parramatta is no longer simply an alternative to Sydney CBD, it's becoming a destination in its own right," Equitifund Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said.

"The Lennox captures that evolution with a level of quality and amenity that's difficult to match at its price point."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=953]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/marchese-partners">Marchese Partners</a>, the tower responds directly to its riverfront setting through expansive glazing and open-plan layouts that maximise views across the Parramatta River and city skyline. Interiors feature engineered timber flooring, stone benchtops, stainless steel appliances and floor-to-ceiling glazing, while generous balconies extend the living spaces outdoors.

Marchese Partners says the project was conceived to balance high-quality apartment living with practical, long-term functionality, pairing larger, efficient floorplans with amenities more commonly associated with five-star hotels.

That emphasis continues through the resident facilities, which include a 20-metre rooftop swimming pool, fully equipped gym and wellness spaces, full-time concierge, a residents' lounge, function room, private lifts, secure basement parking and rooftop communal areas overlooking the Parramatta River. Ground-floor boardwalk retail and dining further activate the riverfront and integrate the building into the surrounding public realm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=925]

Australian housing and finance group Equitifund has secured the remaining apartments, believing there are few completed apartment opportunities in Parramatta that offer the same combination of location, amenity and pricing.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett says buyers are increasingly recognising that premium apartment living no longer needs to come with Sydney CBD pricing.

"The Lennox is where aspirational living becomes attainable," Hamblett said.

"Wake to river and mountain views, step into Sydney's Second CBD, and arrive home to resort-calibre amenities, all without the harbour price tag."

Hamblett says owner-occupiers are also attracted by the convenience of having Westfield Parramatta, Church Street's dining precinct, Parramatta Park, Riverside Theatres, Western Sydney University and major transport connections all within walking distance.

"At The Lennox, lifestyle is not an afterthought, it is the foundation."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=5374]

The Lennox places residents within walking distance of Parramatta Square, Westfield Parramatta, Church Street Eat Street, Parramatta Station, the ferry wharf, Light Rail, the future Sydney Metro West, Parramatta Park and CommBank Stadium, reinforcing Parramatta's position as one of Australia's most connected metropolitan centres outside Sydney's CBD.

Equitifund says buyers visiting the display suite consistently comment on the quality of the finishes, generous floorplans, river and skyline views, and the walkability of the location. The project has attracted a broad mix of local professionals, upsizers, downsizers, buyers relocating from Sydney's inner suburbs and interstate investors seeking long-term growth opportunities.

That demand aligns with Parramatta's continued evolution as an economic powerhouse. Equitifund Research and Market Insights specialist John Bekiaris says sustained population growth, infrastructure investment and expanding employment opportunities continue to support long-term housing demand across the city.

"Parramatta has evolved from a satellite city into one of Australia's most important economic centres. Population growth, infrastructure investment and employment are all supporting sustained long-term housing demand."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5743]

The apartment price gap drawing Sydney buyers west

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

Rainbow Bay apartment doubles in price since off the plan sale during pandemic

The Block

<html><body>
The South Yarra apartment Luke and Ebony renovated on the hit TV show The Block has found a tenant.
The co-creator and executive producer Julian Cress made the property available to rent for $1,650 a week, short of the $1,950 a week which was hoped after the show aired.
Renovated in the building previously known as the seedy Hotel Saville, the three bedroom plus study apartment only missed out on winning the series by $15,000.
Nigel Johnston of hockingstuart had the listing of <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/1-1a-affleck-street-south-yarra-vic-3141-10356999" target="_blank">1/1A Affleck Street</a> which has been removed from various websites.
</body></html>

jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

The Block secures South Yarra rental

<html><body>
The return of Nine’s renovation reality program Reno Rumble secured disappointing results - with less than half the audience of its 2015 debut last year.
Just 395,000 metro viewers tuned in on its Monday night debut, which compared to <a href="https://mumbrella.com.au/reality-tv-winter-schedule-masterchef-reno-rumble-house-rules-seven-nine-ten-simulcasting-debut-head-to-head-291814" target="_blank">873,000 last year across Nine and Gem</a>.
It finished fourth in the 7.30 timeslot behind Seven’s My Kitchen Rules, which managed an audience of 1.462 million, ABC’s 7.30 (778,000) watching Leigh Sales and the PM Malcolm Turnbull, and Ten’s All Star Family Feud which was watched by 674,000 metro viewers.
MKR was the most watched show of the evening and also the most-watched program across the key advertising demographics (16-39, 18-49 and 25-54) according to OzTAM overnight metro ratings.
On its second night the audience rose to 453,000 but still well behind MKR on 1.41 million, the 7.30 Report on 679,000 and Bondi Rescue on Channel 10 at 540,000.
<a href="https://theblock2016.castasugar.com/" target="_blank">Applications closed last week, March 14</a> for contestants on the next series of The Block to be filmed at Port Melbourne.
Filming appears scheduled for May with it going to air in late 2016 possibly.
But media analyst Steve Allen, managing director of Fusion Strategy, told Fairfax Media the host of both shows, Scott Cam "must be reeling."
"They're destroying his career. Unfortunately, it's going to taint Scott and Shelley's (Craft) reputation."
Nine intended to screen Reno Rumble on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesday in the crucial 7.30pm time slot until otherwise rescheduled.
The series also sees original judges Darren Palmer and Romy Alwill replaced by Scottish interior decorators Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan.
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Rumble crumbles with the next The Block applicants under consideration

<html><body>
There's whispers a heritage art deco factory in Port Melbourne will be the venue of the next series of Channel 9's popular reality show, The Block.
The Block's producers are believed to have snapped up the imposing, heritage protected building at 164 Ingles Street from the BRW rich-lister Harry Stamoulis.
The $5 million deal follows its marketing late last year. <a href="https://dawkinsocchiuto.com.au/property/auto-draft-32/" target="_blank">The listing website</a> suggests the property is under offer. 
There had been rumours the one 2016 Block may have found a former icecream factory for its setting.
<div class="cT-imageLandscape">
<img src="https://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/m/v/g/1/i/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gmv0u7.png/1455685072530.jpg" alt="The Block's contestants will have to cope with heritage-building related restrictions next time around." title=""> 
But the pinpointed Port Melbourne building is part of the former Velvet soap factory site of J Kitchen &amp; Co which became Unilever.
It was constructed in the 1920s as the factory's administration office.
The building, with a stepped-back main entrance, was among a larger holding purchased by Stamoulis for $25 million in 2013, with around 280 townhouses now under construction on the surrounding former Symex chemical factory site opposite the Port Melbourne Cricket Oval.
Estate agent Walter Occhiuto from Dawkins Occhiuto has the building as being under "contract" on its website.
The marketing campaign focused on the building's development potential for office or hotel accommodation. It was marketed as an outstanding building of 2355 sqm. It sits on a 1155 sqm block.
J Kitchen &amp; Sons commenced trading in Port Melbourne in the 1850s making such products as Velvet Soap and Electrine Candles from the tallow and other animal fats from the nearby slaughter yards. In the decades the company became Kitchen &amp; Lever then Unilever and most recently Unichema. 
But back in the second half of the 1920s, into the 1930s, the company produced a journal called Advance.
The Port Melbourne Historical &amp; Preservation Society (PMHPS) have several editions in their collection.
<a href="/images/2016/02/18/1925view-1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/02/18/1925view-1.jpg" alt=""> 
 
</div>
Advance Vol 2 No 7 from July 1925 featured their new Administration Offices saying '... the firm may well claim to have built one of the most up-to-date block of offices in the Commonwealth, combining loftiness, dignity and stability'.
Inside the main entrance the vestibule has a 'mosaic floor in a shining pattern, having the monogram of J Kitchen &amp; Sons worked into the centre".
 <a href="/images/2016/02/18/fourviews.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/02/18/fourviews.jpg" alt=""> 
Interior fittings were of the highest order with doors built of 'polished maple and plate glass'. The second floor contained a 'spacious hall for social purposes designed to accomodate 700 people' with a kauri dance floor.
The following edition of Advance in October 1925 included this photo of the opening of the Social Hall. <a href="/images/2016/02/18/opening.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/02/18/opening.jpg" alt="">
The company Social Club appears to have been very active with a library containing over 600 volumes, a tennis club, cricket club and football club who on the King's Birthday took on another great Port Melbourne company, the biscuit-makers Swallow and Ariel, at the Port Melbourne football ground.
The Block's last season saw contestants renovating the Hotel Saville, an octagonal building on the corner of busy Commercial and Punt roads in South Yarra.
The last series, won by Newcastle’s Dean and Shay, averaged 1.048 million viewers across its run.
Dean and Shay collected $755,000 when their penthouse apartment sold for $2.3 million.
Nine has revealed that the makers of The Block are yet to purchase a building for the next series.
The 2016 series of The Block won’t screen until the last quarter of this year. 
 
</body></html>

The Block Port Melbourne - awash with soapy renovation series setting whispers

<html><body>
It was a bumper year for The Block South Yarra as every apartment featured in the hit design show was sold above reserve price in their November 2015 finale.
The buyer of <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-south+yarra-121129266" target="_blank">5/1a Affleck Street</a>, known as Luke and Ebony's apartment, has just listed the sub penthouse for rental.
It was bought for $2.2 million in November.
Thousands of Melburnians queued up for a glimpse before it's live TV auction, but the $1950 a week price tag is likely to see a cap on prospective renters.
If the buyer secures a tenant at the asking price they will be looking at a rental yield of 4.6 percent.
Located in the formerly seedy Hotel Saville in South Yarra, the three bedroom plus study full floor apartment occupies an upper level of the complex.
The $2.2 million sale comfortably beat the reserve price of $1.56 million, but it wasn't enough for Luke and Ebony to win the competition. The WA siblings missed out by just $15,000 on overall winners Dean and Shay.
Brant Williams of Advantage Property Consulting is managing the lease for the octagonal shaped apartment.
To check out the best and worst contestants on The Block of all time, click here.
<h1> </h1>
 
</body></html>

jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Block South Yarra apartment investor seeks 4.6 percent rental yield 

<html><body>
With this year's television program The Block ending, here is a list compiled of the most successful and unsuccessful scores on The Block since the show started.

The highest scorers from this year's judging were Kingi and Carlo, but how did they fare against previous years?

35. Polly and Waz - Cameron Street, Richmond.

34. Mike and Andrew - Dorcas Street, South Melbourne

33. Amie and Katrina - Cameron Street, Richmond

32. Dan and Dani - Dorcas Street, South Melbourne

31. Tim and Anatasia - Triple Threat - Lowest room score in history (eight out of 30 for their study and staircase)

30. Rod and Tania - Cameron Street, Richmond

29. Dan and Dani - All Stars

28. Brad and Lara - Dorcas Street, South Melbourne

27. Josh and Jenna - Cameron Street, Richmond

26. Mark and Duncan - All Stars

25. Andrew and Whitney - Blocktagon.

24. Luke and Ebony - Blocktagon.

23. Chris and Jenna - Glasshouse

22. Dale and Sophie - Dorcas Street, South Melbourne

21. Josh and Jenna - All Stars

20. Chantelle and Steve - Fans v Faves

19. Ayden and Jess - Triple Threat

18. Suzi and Vonni - Blocktagon

17. Phil and Amity - All Stars

16. Darren and Diane - Triple Threat

15. Alisa and Lysandra - Fans v Faves

14. Madi and Jarrod - Sky High

13. Dean and Shay - Blocktagon

12. Trixie and Johnno - Sky High

11. Bec and George - Sky High

10. Josh and Charlotte - Triple Threat

9. Karstan and Max - Glasshouse

8. Kyal and Kara - Fans v Faves

7. Brad and Dale - Fans v Faves

6. Alisa and Lysandra - Sky High

5. Matt and Kim - Sky High

4. Shannon and Simon - Glasshouse

3. Darren and Deanna - Glasshouse

2. Kingi and Carlo - Blocktagon

1. Michael and Carlene - Glasshouse

With four properties in the top 10, the Glasshouse had the strongest average whereas the weakest judging scores came at Cameron Street, Richmond. 

We will no doubt get a bunch of newbie contestants next year, for Fairfax Media to further dwell on, though there's no indication yet that another site has been selected for another series.

<h2>Recently listed properties:</h2>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22699]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2929]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3783]
</body></html>

The best and worst contestants on The Block of all time

<html><body>
Buyers of apartments in Channel 9's The Block: Blocktagon could claim an average of over $1.5 million in depreciation deductions for each apartment after their purchase this weekend.
<a href="/expert-insights/buying/the-block-dean-and-shay-penthouse-set-for-2-million-sale">Dean and Shay's</a> penthouse apartment (above) has the highest amount of depreciation deductions available, with a minimum of $62,735 that could be claimed in the first year and $1,621,688 over the specified lifetime of the property.
Luke and Ebony’s apartment at <a href="/expert-insights/buying/vast-open-plan-the-key-to-the-block-luke-and-ebony-apartment-offering">5/1A Affleck Street</a> as the second highest amount of total minimum depreciation deductions available at $1,600,297.
“As the property with the highest amount of total depreciation deductions available, Dean and Shaye’s apartment may prove attractive to sophisticated investors,” said Bradley Beer from BMT Tax Depreciation.
“While there are many factors that will decide which apartment achieves the highest price, the additional cash flow astute property investors receive from depreciation will assist them when crunching their numbers to make purchase decisions.  
“While Dean and Shaye look to be the clear winners in terms of unlocked depreciation value - it’s a very close field,” said Bradley Beer.
Below is a summary of the depreciation estimates BMT Tax Depreciation found for all five apartments after conducting a site inspection and providing their analysis of the potential deductions investors can claim once the properties are income producing.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2015/11/20/Screen%20Shot%202015-11-20%20at%204.21.32%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2015/11/20/Screen%20Shot%202015-11-20%20at%204.21.32%20PM.png" alt="">
The South Yarra property, originally the 34 room Hotel Saville, was reportedly purchased by The Block’s production company for $6.25 million in 2014. The building has undergone an extensive renovation on the show and is home to five luxury apartments.
Legislation allows the owners of any income producing property to claim depreciation deductions for the wear and tear of the building structure and the assets contained within. 
</body></html>

The Block 2015 depreciation winners are Dean and Shay 

<html><body>
Auctions for the Block are this weekend with buyer's advocate and judge, Nicole Jacobs describing buyer interest levels as fantastic.
Nicole Jacobs added that the interest is coming from a younger demographic that are working in the city, downsizers and families with children.
Investors are likely to be interested in Suzi and Bonni's apartment as she suggested to Domain that it has the highest tax depreciation of all the apartments however BMT officially advised it was Dean and Shay's apartment with the highest amount of depreciation deductions.
The priciest auction property is likely to be Dean and Shay's penthouse with Jacobs tipping definitely selling in the $2 million plus range.
Also potentially in the $2 million range is Luke and Ebony's apartment due to its popular open plan style.
The television series winners however will be determined by the amount above the as yet undisclosed reserve prices for each apartment, allowing the cheapest apartment to win the show prize. 
Caroline and Kingi's apartment has had "massive" interest, particularly for the internal finishes and could reach up to high $1 millions should there be extreme competition.
Wooden floors in the much maligned Andrew and Whitney's apartment should see their property hit $1.5 million as Nicole describes the couple as a dark horse.
Buyers' agent Nicole Jacobs attended all five auctions last year and bid on behalf of clients at three.
She said last year that she felt there wasn't the depth of buyers who wanted large apartments.
"I was going in to it worried that there were not five buyers at $2 million," she said.
"At that level, people are looking for a townhouse or a home"
The winner will be the highest price paid over the pre auction set reserve.
</body></html>

How much will The Block Octagonal South Yarra apartments go for?

<html><body>
The Block contestants Dean and Shay's have the penthouse apartment offering for this weekend's auction finale with buyers' agents suggesting a $2 million sale was possible.
Andrew McCann and Aydan Cameron from Jellis Craig South Yarra have the listing of <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/6-1a-affleck-street-south-yarra/Property-Details-buy-residential-9728788" target="_blank">6/1A Affleck Street</a>.
The Block host Scott Cam described their winning bedroom as "luxe industrial with a touch of Scandinavian”.
The property is available at auction on November 21.
New South Wales team Shay and Dean have grabbed the winning Block combination, Damien Cooley and Andrew McCann of Jellis Craig Real Estate, to sell their penthouse apartment on The Block. 
Damien and Andrew will be aiming for their third win together having won the last two series’ for brothers Shannon &amp; Simon and All Star couple Deanne &amp; Darren.
"Our apartment is extremely different from every other floor, we’ve taken risks where others haven’t and being on the top level we have amazing views across South Yarra and the city.”
“We can’t wait to see how the auction goes at the end of the series. We’ve put our heart and soul into this apartment and it’s something we are very proud of.”
</body></html>

The Block Dean and Shay penthouse set for $2 million sale

<html><body>
The Block contestants Luke and Ebony's sub-penthouse South Yarra apartment will go to auction this weekend with Block agent fixture, Biggin &amp; Scott's Russell Cambridge. 
The three bedroom, three bathroom property is on floor five of the complex offering extensive views of Melbourne.
It features a state of the art white glossed kitchen installed  after early style missteps. 
They were the only couple to knock down major walls to create an enormous open plan living, dining and kitchen enhanced by dark floorboards.
Andrew Crotty joins Cambridge from Biggin and Scott Richmond with the listing of <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/1a-affleck-street-south-yarra/Property-Details-buy-residential-9728465" target="_blank">1A Affleck Street</a>.
They too have decided to leave behind the less desirable Commercial Road address in their marketing.
The complex features a communal roof terrace with a barbecue, cinema and wellness centre.
The WA pair have an edge over the other contestants as Ebony is an interior designer and Luke is an electrician by trade.
The brother and sister pairing said they treated the apartment as if they were designing it for a client.
They went out and researched what was selling around Melbourne, Luke said.
</body></html>

Vast open plan the key to The Block Luke and Ebony apartment offering

<html><body>
The Block contestants Andy and Whitney's apartment is on the market for November 21 auction.
The pair are first time renovators and decided to include a controversial coffin shaped dining room table in their apartment.
The three bedroom octagonal shaped property includes three attaching balcony aspects and three bathrooms.
The apartment features dedicated lift access, state of the art home automation, zoned heating and indoor-outdoor surround sound.
The property also includes a large terrace with outdoor heating, external TV and its own wine fridge.
Greg Hocking and Peter Zervas of Greg Hocking Holdsworth has the listing of <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-south+yarra-121112534" target="_blank">3/1A Affleck Street</a>.
The listing agents of Dean and Shay's apartment have also cast off the undesirable Commercial Road address and advertised the property as 6/1A Affleck Street.
The apartment is located in the former Hotel Saville in South Yarra which includes a ground floor cafe. 
</body></html>

The Block

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

The Block

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News