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.

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The couple happened to be having coffee in Newcastle when they noticed the site where One Apartments was about to begin construction.

"We were aware GWH was planning a development," Aimee says. "We made one phone call and things moved pretty quickly after that."

As busy business owners, they initially thought apartment living would simply reduce the maintenance that came with larger homes. Instead, it fundamentally changed how they spent time together.

"We actually catch up more as a family now," Aimee says.

"We've had homes with big yards and lots of space, but everyone ended up in different rooms. Here we'll have dinner together, the kids can play, and we spend far more quality time together."

[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

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Filming stopped on Wednesday morning on the Brighton site of The Block, the Channel 9 renovation show.
The Block's executive producer Julian Cress advised the trades on the site will continue as long as they can, but the contestants left the site yesterday for their homes across Australia.
The contestants were told by The Block's host Scott Cam about the decision to halt production.
The contestants started production of the 2020 series in late February.
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.
 
 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Tools Down: The Block Brighton stops production

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The Block's Dan and Dani, who have appeared on the show for two years running, are teaming up with Tradiematepro.
They are also the founders of the Red Door Project with this latest project aiming to help builders and tradies improve processes and transparency. 
Dani said, “too many tradies who run their own business are still providing written quotes and invoices, don’t know their financials and cash-flow, or even how much time they are spending on the job."
“Those days are gone. If tradies want to thrive in this industry, they want to help educate homeowners that the cheapest quote isn't always the best – as many are still vulnerable to cowboy tradies whose costs blow out simply because they underquoted the job to get the job."
“Having systems in place will also help tradies to navigate unexpected hurdles – like the coronavirus, recent fires and floods, which have led to a 3-6 month delay in supply of joinery products, for example, and driving up the costs of some hardwood prices.”
Dan says they’re also encouraging business owners to look at workplace culture, creating incentive programs and really focusing on client needs and communication. 
Dan and Dani will be available for coaching at <a href="https://www.tradiematepro.com.au/" target="_blank" data-auth="NotApplicable">Tradiematepro</a>.
 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

The Block's Dan and Dani teaming up with Tradiematepro

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Channel Nine is selling two empty shell apartments in the Gatwick Hotel, the site of the 2018 series of The Block.
Both stripped two-bedroom units are on the ground floor.
They are for sale with proposed floor plans.
The smaller of the two, apartment G01, has 128 square metres of floor space.
It has price expectations of about $800,000.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/11/18/The%20Gatwick%202.jpg" alt="">
Neighbouring G02 is bigger, with 138 square metres of floor space along with a 46-metre outdoor area.
It has price expectations of $900,000.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/11/18/The%20Gatwick%203.jpg" alt="">
The former boarding house, built in 1937, had previously belonged to sisters Rose Banks and Yvette Kelly.
They used it to provide accommodation for needy residents, however after developing its “hotel hell” reputation, they sold the building to Channel 9 in 2017 for $10 million.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/11/18/The%20Gatwick%201.jpg" alt="">
St Kilda’s median apartment price is $512,000, while the median house price is $1.32 million.
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Channel Nine lists gutted units in The Block's Gatwick Hotel 

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The bullied Cairns couple Tess and Luke Struber took home the grand prize as the winners of The Block 2019 after 14 weeks of stressful renovation.

Channel Nine manipulated the reserves which were set at $2.990 million for all of the five three-storey terraces, although the terraces at either end were expected to have the higher longterm value.

The official price guide required by Victorian Government legislation had been $3 million to $3.3 million.

Buyers’ advocate Frank Valentic described them as "very, very comfortable reserves."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1487]

Experienced renovators, Mitch &amp; Mark saw the hammer come down at $3.374 million, which was $384,000 over reserve.

It sold to seasoned Block bidder, Danny Wallis, who previously purchased 403 Dorcas St in South Melbourne on the fifth season of The Block for $1,400,001.01.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=582]

The next auction was the newlyweds Tess &amp; Luke who secured $3.620 million, some $630,000 over reserve.

Barrister Rick Horsley, SC, was the buyer of the Tess and Luke’s terrace at 38B Gray Street. He had bid unsuccessfully last year.

“The first time I walked into this one, I hated it,” Mr Horsley told Nine Entertainment after the auction.

Perth parents El’ise &amp; Matt got $3.450 million, which was $460,000 over their reserve, and the runners-up.

It sold to expatriates who plan on leasing the property out while they remain overseas.

Andy &amp; Deb sold their house for $3.420 million, $430,000 over reserve.

The latest auction was real estate agent Jesse and girlfriend Mel who secured $388,000 over the reserve when their house sold for $3.378 million.

Buyers’ advocate Greville Pabst bought Jesse and Mel’s house on behalf of a Melbourne professional couple.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2807]

Highlighting the limited buyer pool, Pabst also bidding on behalf of Aconex co-founder Rob Phillpot, for whom he bought both penthouses last year, but the tech entrepreneur did not win any of the auctions on Saturday.

Valentic's buyer of Andy and Deb’s house were underbidders in the Gatwick last year. 

Valentic bid on all five properties for a number of investors.

They are a Caulfield North family.

The buyers’ advocate Nicole Jacobs did not have any clients purchase any of the Oslo terraces. 
  
Tess and Luke took home an extra $100,000, delivering them $730,000 in winnings. 

Hocking Stuart Albert Park agent auctioneer David Wood sold Tess and Luke’s home at 38B Grey Street. 

Wood also sold the winning home in the 2017 season.

He said the acoustic separation and self-contained flat at the back of the home secured the victory for 38B.

Host Scott Cam, along with Shelley Craft, are back for the program's 16th series in Brighton in 2020. 
  
The latest winnings taking total prizemoney across 15 seasons to $23.1 million.

Tess and Luke, the team who couldn’t bear to watch The Block because they’d been so bullied by producers, once said they wished they’d never gone on.

“Tell you what, they love The Block now," host Scott Cam, said after the result, showing he still couldn't help himself. 

Meanwhile the finale ratings fell yet again with 1.924m tuning in.

Last year’s (time-adjusted figures) had 2.021m tuning in while the year prior had 2.462m.

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
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Rick Horsley SC spends $3.62 million to buy Tess and Luke's The Block Oslo terrace

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The 16th season of Channel Nine's hit renovation show The Block will be shot in the affluent bayside suburb of Brighton.
Blockheads might find themselves building a home from scratch for the first time in The Block's history.
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 (below).
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/10/16/Brighton%202.jpg" alt="">
There was a similar purchase in Elsternwick a few years ago where a former nursing home turned vacant block was purchased and old weatherboard homes were relocated on to the site for the contestants to renovate.
Speculation suggests they will be doing the same again.
No doubt spin king Shane Warne will take a sticky beak once the properties are finished.
He's been dipping in and out of the Brighton market for the last decades, sometimes <a href="/news/shane-warnes-6-million-brighton-flip-windfall">buying the same home twice</a>.
Rumours a few months ago were that Warne was <a href="/news/speculation-that-shane-warne-seeks-to-flip-his-brighton-home">set to flip his current Brighton home</a>, which might pave the way for a celebrity purchase.
It was no third year in a row for the rejuvenated St Kilda.
Two of St Kilda's most iconic buildings, The Gatwick and The Oslo Hotel have been the scene of the last two Block series, with The Oslo Hotel terraces set to go under the hammer in a few weeks.
 
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

The Block 2020 confirmed for bayside Brighton

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Controversial designer grandads Mitch Edwards and Mark McKie have listed their unsold North Bondi apartment for November auction, having secured their latest flipping project on the northern beaches.
The duo, who have slipped from being initial bookmakers’ favourites to win The Block 2019, have struggled to find a buyer of their two-bedroom North Bondi offering (below).
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/10/17/Mitch%20%20Mark%20North%20Bondi.jpg" alt="">
It was listed in January, just as they headed to Melbourne for the Channel 9 series.
The pair had paid $855,000 in July last year for the apartment, which has now been listed through Tony Dowling at Laing Real Estate. They have overseen a revamp of the decor.
The experienced flippers, who have sold 15 properties across Sydney over their 14 years together, have lined up their first project on the northern beaches at Newport, securing a 1970s home (below) for about $1.7 million.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/10/17/Mitch%20%20Mark%20Newport.jpg" alt="">
“Call us crazy,” Mark said heading into the acquisition.
They checked out the three-level, four-bedroom home three times before its purchase. Its elevated position has views to the coast. There’s a self-contained living space on the lower level.
The couple have pocketed $3.5 million in gains from resales over the past 13 years, excluding $560,000 in stamp duties plus all the estate agent and conveyancing fees.
This article was first published in the Saturday Daily Telegraph. 
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firstname1-iYD4UYzvBa

The Block's Mitch and Mark set North Bondi auction after buying Newport project

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<div class="assets">
Scott Cam, the host of TV renovation show The Block, has been announced as Australia's first national careers ambassador. 
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Despite losing some respect among viewers in the latest series, the Gold Logie winner has been appointed by the Employment and Skills Minister Michaelia Cash.
His role will be to highlight how practical and technical training can lead to high-paying and fulfilling jobs.
"Anybody who is thinking twice about getting a trade just needs to look at Scott Cam and his success," she said.
"Anything is possible by pursuing vocational training."
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<div class="assets">
The Prime Minister Scott Morrison said university, which had become the default expectation for young people, wasn't the only path to success.
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<div class="advertisement teads-1x1 conditional ">
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<div id="google_ads_iframe_/21666581298/theflindersnews/news/nationalnews_0__container__">"I want to see more Australians become plumbers, electricians and bakers than lawyers and consultants. I would like to see more of them going on to become their own boss," he said on Thursday.</div>
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<div class="assets">
"Scott Cam is proof that undertaking a trade can be a very valuable, rewarding and successful career choice, and there are plenty more who can tell a similar story to Scott."
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Cam is a qualified carpenter who ran his own business before shooting to fame on the television.
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Mr Morrison is hopeful the appointment will encourage more people to get technical, trade and practical skills.
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"By learning a trade you'll earn more, your skills will be in demand and you'll help build our country and keep our economy strong," he said.
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Employment and Skills Minister Michaelia Cash said vocational education and training was key to building Australia's future workforce.
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She said Cam would help Australians at "all ages and stages" to make informed decisions about learning, training and work.
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<div id="article-titan-ad-pos2" class="sticky-wrap aside-size centralized">
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<div id="adspot-300x250-pos2" class="advertisement__300x250" data-hide-platforms="mobile tablet" data-lazy-load="yes" data-google-query-id="CLO8pMuGkOUCFUyEcAodXooOlA">
<div id="google_ads_iframe_/21666581298/theflindersnews/news/nationalnews_5__container__">"Working with the National Careers Institute, Scott will make sure individuals and businesses can take advantage of the pathways on offer," she said.</div>
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<div>The appointment of Scott Cam as the first National Careers Ambassador was welcomed by Kristin Brookfield, the HIA's chief executive industry policy.  </div>
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“Today’s announcement by the Prime Minister and the Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, Michaelia Cash, reinforces the change in approach now being taken by the Government to ensure vocational education and the careers on offer are seen by young people, their parents and educators, as the pathway to an inspiring and long term career,” she said.
“As an apprentice carpenter, builder and business owner, Scott Cam has been giving back to the housing industry and sharing his passion and insights with young people as HIA’s Ambassador since 2017.
“Scott has worked with HIA to help raise the profile of a career in the housing industry. His own career shows how completing a trade can be the beginning of an exciting future."
HIA has been encouraged by the COAG Skills Council’s adoption of a vision for skills in Australia at their August meeting, on the back of the Government’s commitment to vocational education in the federal budget. 
“It certainly feels like the tide is turning on the bias towards university education as the best way to build a career,” concluded Ms Brookfield.
 
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Scott Cam's surprise ambassadorial appointment

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Having recently upsized, interior design consultant Shannon Vos and wife Lisa have offloaded their Cronulla apartment.
Before winning The Block Glasshouse in Prahran in 2014 with his brother Simon, Vos said he wanted to win the hit renovation show so he and Lisa could buy a “love nest” by the beach.
They did so, paying $750,000 for a two-level apartment in 2015. They have now sold it for $895,000.
The couple, now with sons Dusty Mac and Raffa, have spent $1,285,000 on a mid-1980s four-bedroom home nearby.
They plan to upgrade it to suit their young family.
This article first appeared in The Daily Telegraph.
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The Block winner Shannon Vos offloads Cronulla apartment

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Shannon Vos, the larrikin tradie turned interior design consultant who won The Block Glasshouse in 2014 with his brother Simon, has upsized in the Sutherland Shire with wife Lisa.

With two young boys, Dusty Mac and Raffa, they needed more space than their two-bedroom Cronulla townhouse-style apartment.

They’ve recently bought at Port Hacking where they spent $1,285,000 on a mid-’80s four- bedroom home.

<img alt="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/9/27/hacking%202.jpg">

“We wanted a home that will evolve with the kids’ needs as they grow from toddlers into teenagers and this house fits the bill perfectly. Pool, backyard, huge driveway, plenty of space, battle-axe block and a great neighbourhood,” Vos, who runs interior design practice Vos Creative, said.

“We have plans to renovate the whole home, but we don’t need to change anything or ever extend.”

They are hoping to turn the renovation into an online series with realestate.com.au, with no doubt a few mentions for Beaumont Tiles, Carpet Court and Wideline Windows and Doors for whom he is an ambassador.

“We’re excited and totally blessed to be able to be in the housing market for starters and to be able to raise our two boys in such a beautiful area,” he said.

The Block Prahran apartment renovated by the Coffs Harbour-raised brothers sold under the hammer for $1.9 million, some $335,000 over reserve, plus they also pocketed the $100,000 prizemoney.

Shannon, who had popped the question to Lisa just before filming for the Nine show, wanted to win the hit renovation show to buy a “love nest” by the beach with Lisa.

It cost $750,000 in 2015 for the two-level apartment.

The keen surfer has recently been working on a Torquay home project for a client.

This article first appeared in The Sunday Telegraph.

<h2>NSW properties currently selling:</h2>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7742]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29389]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=92710]

 
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The Block 2014 winner Shannon Vos and wife Lisa buys Shire family home

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The winning penthouse from the Block’s 2015 series failed to sell at weekend auction.
<div class="in-content-ad">
<div id="adspot-1x1-pos-5" class="ad" data-google-query-id="CILvvv3U0-QCFdlNKwodWsENcA">
<div id="google_ads_iframe_/31694718/domain.com.au/news/auctions_3__container__">The penthouse apartment at <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/6-1a-affleck-street-south-yarra-vic-3141-2015529113" target="_blank" rel="noopener">6/1a Affleck Street, South Yarra</a> was auctioned by The Agency.</div>
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<div class="ad"> </div>
<div class="ad">Auctioneer Peter Kakos made a vendor bid of $2.1 million seeking a $50,000 rise, Domain reported.</div>
<div class="ad"> </div>
<div class="ad">The 240 sqm property was listed with $2.3 million to $2.45 million hopes.</div>
<div class="ad"> </div>
<div class="ad">It now has a $2,445,000 price.
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<div class="ad"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/9/16/Blocktagon%20South%20Yarra.jpg" alt=""></div>
The top-floor apartment was transformed by Dean and Shay Paine who took the top prize and $750,000 cash in 2015. 
It sold for $2.3 million to a regular investor in The Block’s properties. 
The investor sold it in 2018 for $2.365 million.
 
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