As apartment living continues to evolve across Sydney's growth corridors, the quality and distribution of shared spaces is increasingly shaping how residents experience home. Rather than functioning as add-ons, amenities are being embedded into the daily rhythm of a building, supporting everything from quiet retreat to social interaction, often within a single vertical community.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/aeris-melrose-park-nursery-street-melrose-park-nsw-2114">Aeris</a> in Melrose Park, this approach is resolved through a layered amenity offering that unfolds from ground level through to its upper podium. Developed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sekisui-house-australia">Sekisui House Australia</a> in partnership with Hankyu Hanshin Properties, the project introduces 468 apartments across two towers and a mid-rise building, positioned at the highest point of the broader masterplan.

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The amenity experience begins at street level, where two courtyards sit within a landscaped setting that connects residents to the wider network of parks and green spaces. These green spaces are not isolated pockets but part of a wider pedestrian network that links Aeris to the surrounding <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melrose-park-nsw-2114">Melrose Park</a> precinct, including Central Park, future schools, and the Town Centre opening in July 2026. The result is a transition that moves from public to private without abrupt boundaries, allowing residents to pass through shaded, tree-lined environments before reaching the building itself.

Moving upward, the focus shifts to the level five podium, where the primary communal facilities are concentrated. This space brings together a 16-metre swimming pool, outdoor seating areas, and a communal BBQ zone arranged to take advantage of elevated outlooks. Seating is positioned beneath pergolas, creating pockets of shade that extend the usability of the space throughout the day. The pool edge aligns with views toward the wider district, reinforcing the sense of elevation that defines the project’s positioning.

In the adjacent building, this is complemented by quieter, more contemplative spaces, including an outdoor cinema set within the same level. Positioned to operate primarily in the evening, it introduces a different tempo to the shared environment, shifting from daytime activity to after-hours use without requiring separate zones.

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The podium also accommodates an intimate private resident gym. Located on the lower levels, it gives residents convenient access to fitness facilities without leaving the building.

Above, the elevated podium sky deck extends the amenity offering, providing additional open-air spaces with elevated outlooks across the surrounding landscape. While more restrained in program, this upper level reinforces the project’s vertical progression, from ground-level greenery to elevated outlook, allowing residents to move between distinct spatial conditions within a single address.

This distribution of amenities reflects a deliberate response to how residents use space across the day. Sekisui House Australia Sales and Marketing Director Peter Kalaf points to the role these shared areas play in shaping buyer demand. Aeris has been conceived as more than a collection of apartments, with the podium pool, gym and outdoor cinema forming part of a broader lifestyle offering that extends the home beyond each individual residence.

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What distinguishes Aeris is not the inclusion of these elements individually, but how they are arranged in relation to one another. Active, social, and passive spaces are layered vertically rather than separated, allowing residents to choose between them without leaving the building or moving far from their apartment. This proximity supports both routine use, such as a morning swim or evening workout, and more occasional gatherings, whether around the BBQ area or within the cinema setting.

The amenity design also sits within a broader framework of connectivity across Melrose Park. The Melrose Park Town Centre, anchored by Coles and Dan Murphys, features a mix of retail, dining, health and lifestyle offerings, bringing everyday convenience closer to residents. By the end of the year, more than five hectares of parks and open space, equivalent to around seven football fields of green space on residents' doorstep, will further enhance the precinct, allowing the internal facilities at Aeris to operate as an extension of the wider neighbourhood rather than a substitute for it.

Construction at Aeris continues to gather momentum, with ground floor slabs expected to be completed in late 2026 before the first sections of the buildings begin to rise above ground.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=426]

Joel Robinson

Elevated amenity anchors daily life at Aeris, Melrose Park

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

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

The Block

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The young NAB dealing desk broker arrested in the alleged ABS insider trading case has been revealed as the investor buyer of one of the four apartments sold in the recent Channel 9 The Block series.
It was the luxury apartment decorated by the runner-up Adelaide twins, Alisa and Lysandra who were reduced to tears when their apartment sold at its 8 April auction for $2.375 million —<a href="https://www.dinglepartners.com.au/index.cfm?pageCall=property&amp;propertyID=2618525" target="_blank"> a massive $616,000 above the reserve of $1.759 million</a>.
<img src="https://cdn.portplus.com.au/742/2649068/20058186_640x.jpg" alt="3/47 O'Grady Street, ALBERT PARK - Rental - Dingle Partners" hspace="" vspace="" width="640" name="thePic">
NAB broker Lukas Kamay, who turned 26 on Anzac Day, has been accused of using insider Australian Bureau of Statistics information to make $7 million-plus by trading in the Australian dollar online over the past 10 months.
He was arrested on Friday after a joint investigation by the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.
Police allege Kamay, of Melbourne, used confidential ABS statistics to trade online, betting against foreign exchange derivative movements in the Australian dollar after allegedly being in receipt of national economic, retail trade and labour-force statistics before the normal 11.30am release.
After it was alleged Mr Kamay profited between August 2013 and May this year with around $7 million made from the trades, police froze assets including a $500,000 property, a $15,000 car - and $6.5 million in bank accounts.
<a href="https://ow.ly/i/5wuz5/original" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">The Sunday Herald Sun have uncovered Kamay's $2,375,000 purchase</a>, which Property Observer believes along with the other sales in the block, has yet to settle.
The three bedroom apartment was marketed for Alisa and Lysandra, the former SA police officers, by the Melbourne CBD agents, Anton Wongtrakun and Rochelle Wilson from Dingle Partners.
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Property Observer gleans it is now likely that settlement of apartment 3 at 47 O'Grady Street will not occur as expected by the production company, Watercress Productions with the 10% deposit likely to be subject to legal proceedings.
The twins were not the overall winners, so it will not affect the final result of the television renovation gameshow, and in all likelihood it will not affect their payout as the outcome of the auction night are likely to be honoured by Watercress and Channel 9. 
There were six or seven competitive bidders on the apartment, according to <a href="/expert-insights/buying/it-was-our-last-throw-of-the-dice-bidding-and-winning-at-the-block-fans-v-faves-auctions">one attending buyers' agent</a>, Frank Valentic who was there for an intending buyer from Horsham. It appeared to be knocked down to another buyers' agent. The exact intended ownership of the apartment has yet to determined, according to News Ltd, as the ASIC and the AFP continue their investigation. It is possible the purchase was made through one of two companies directed by Kamay, L.A. Promotions Pty Ltd or Lukam Pty Ltd which was established in April this year.
There does not yet appear to be any caveat taken, as yet, over the asset by the AFP-led Criminal Assets Confiscation Taskforce, with events only coming to a head yesterday.
Kamay, who appeared briefly in court in Melbourne yesterday afternoon, arranged $500,000 in bail, agreeing to surrender his passport, and live with his parents at their 1000 square metre property in the Melbourne suburb of Eaglemont. He is due back in court on August 24 for a committal mention.
It appears Kamay secured the apartment as an investment property as <a href="https://www.dinglepartners.com.au/index.cfm?pagecall=property&amp;propertyID=2649068" target="_blank">Dingle Partners have it listed with a $2,500 weekly asking price</a>, reflecting a gross 5.4% rental yield. 
It is advertised as available for rent from 26 May, presumably on its intended settlement. 
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<div class="clearBoth">FOR RENT    $2500 per week</div>
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<div>FURNISHED HIGH END LOFT APARTMENT WITH A QUINTESSENTIAL MANHATTAN FEEL</div>
<div>3/ 47 O'GRADY STREET ALBERT PARK</div>
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Available 26 May 2014
Bond $15,000
Rent per calendar month $10,863
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The apartment was marketed as a cutting edge transformation over three state-of-the-art floors."The international standard warehouse inspired apartment fuses innovative interior design with bespoke style to create a spectacular inner city abode."
The four apartments were recently installed into a red brick former cinema turned office warehouse that was offloaded <a href="/news"></a>by a company associated with <a href="/expert-insights/investing/the-block-albert-park-warehouse-price-appreciation-in-history">Lloyd Williams</a>, the Melbourne property developer.
<a href="/news/substance-over-style-as-chantelle-and-steve-win-the-block-2014-fans-v-faves">The Block Albert Park results</a> were as follows:
<ol>
<li>Steve and Chantelle, 1/47 O’Grady: $2.47 million ($636,000 above the adjusted reserve)</li>
<li>Alisa and Lysandra, 3/47 O’Grady: $2.375 million ($616,000 above the adjusted reserve)</li>
<li>Kyal and Kara, 2/47 O’Grady: $2.44 million ($567,250 above the adjusted reserve)</li>
<li>Brad and Dale, 4/47 O’Grady: $2.31 million ($507,250 above the adjusted reserve)</li>
</ol>
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Alleged ABS insider trader spent $2.3 million on The Block Albert Park purchase - sale now in doubt

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The Block Vaucluse 2010 contestants Erin and Jake Michael have listed their Coogee apartment for 26 May auction following the birth of their son, Jagger last September.
Their two-bedroom Nathan Street apartment was bought in late 2008 for $406,000, having previously sold at $385,000 in 2003.
They spent around $100,000 on renovations for the 59 square metre apartment.
LJ Hooker Double Bay agent Sean Poche has been telling inspectees of <a href="https://doublebay.ljhooker.com.au/MB1F93" target="_blank">8/3 Nathan Street</a> that more than $600,000 is the price guidance. 
<a href="https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:x8FKPN_ZZwIJ:https://www.facebook.com/erinmichaelstyling+&amp;cd=1&amp;hl=en&amp;ct=clnk&amp;gl=au" target="_blank">Erin</a> is a freelance interior and food stylist, briefly for Real Living Magazine, and remains accredited sports dietitian.
Jake Michael married to Erin Berghofer in September 2010.
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Erin and Jake Michael - from The Block 2010 - list Coogee apartment

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With the host of The Block, Scott Cam, taking out the Golden Logie, the award night showed just how much Australia loves its reno shows.
The builder, presenter and author, who first appeared on Channel 9’s Backyard Blitz in 2000, seems to have popped up on just about every renovation program in the past 15 years. Cam has popped up on Renovation Rescue, Domestic Blitz and his own shortlived show, Our Place. 
But earlier this week he sealed his place (or fate) in Australian television history, taking out the Gold Logie for Most Popular Television Personality for his role as the host of Channel 9’s The Block. He also received the award for Most Popular Presenter.
Better Homes and Gardens was the other big property project winner, taking home the Logie for Most Popular Lifestyle Program. It was one of four home renovation themed shows nominated for the award, with Embarrassing Bodies Down Under playing odd-one-out in the category.
Despite the killer ratings run that The Block enjoyed this year, it didn’t manage to take out the award for Most Popular Reality Program, which went to Channel 7’s My Kitchen Rules. The Block franchise is currently churning out twice-yearly seasons, earning nominations for The Block: Fans v Faves and The Block: Sky High.
Property Observer's highlights from this season of The Block:
<a href="/news/substance-over-style-as-chantelle-and-steve-win-the-block-2014-fans-v-faves">Substance over style as Chantelle and Steve win The Block 2014 Fans V Faves</a>
<a href="/expert-insights/buying/kyal-demmrich-on-the-trials-and-triumphs-of-the-block">Kyal Demmrich on the trials and triumphs of The Block</a>
<a href="/expert-insights/the-block-on-show-at-this-weekends-open-for-inspection">The Block on show at this weekend's open for inspection </a>
Open for inspection: The Block Fans v Faves doors open to the public this weekend
<a href="/news/raw-timber-and-red-brick-industrial-design-on-the-block">Raw timber and red brick: Industrial design on The Block</a>
<a href="/news/art-styles-for-apartment-d-cor-lessons-from-the-block">Art styles for apartment décor: Lessons from The Block</a>
<a href="/news/creating-the-perfect-new-york-style-loft-lessons-from-the-block">Creating the perfect New York style loft: Lessons from The Block</a>
 
Picture courtesy of Wikipedia/Creative Commons.
 
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jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

Property the real winner at the 2014 Logies

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GUEST OBSERVATION
The aftermath of bidding on our fourth Melbourne series of The Block has been busy and we can’t believe how much interest our involvement on the finale generated. 
I like my new nickname “The Frankinator” given to me by reporter Alison Stephenson in a News Limited article.
The Block auctions in 2014 are now over and we congratulate all the contestants on their big financial windfalls. The total combined profit was $2,426,000, working out to be an average of $606,625 each. The breakdown was:
<ul>
<li>Dale and Brad ($507,750) 
</li>
<li>Kyle and Kara ($567,250) 
</li>
<li>Lysandra and Alisa ($616,000) 
</li>
<li>And the overall winners Chantelle and Steve ($736,000)</li>
</ul>
You would be disappointed if you were the Cameron Street Richmond contestants who in 2011 won much less than any of this year’s contestants with total winnings of only $225,000. That’s a total difference of $2,201,000 or 978% less. No wonder this year’s contestants were crying with joy!
Unfortunately there were no bargains to be had again this year, unlike our purchase of Polly and Waz’s house in Richmond for $858,000 for one of our investor clients. With a fantastic current rental of $995 per week and an extra $30,000 per annum in depreciation, this represented great buying and it is still returning 12% rental return year on year.
Myself and other Real Estate Professionals believed that the properties would sell in the vicinity of $2.2 to $2.5 million which was what properties in a larger townhouse development in Danks Street, Albert Park with similar accommodation had been selling for.
OUR CLIENTS AND BIDDING 
<img src="/images/2014/04/24/valentic-april-24-one.jpg" alt="">
Frank Valentic bidding at The Block: Fans v Faves auctions. Picture courtesy of Channel 9.
We were bidding for an investor who was a business owner in Kilsyth for Brad and Dale’s property with a budget of $2.3 million, giving our client a 6% return and unfortunately we were the under bidders. There were at least six other bidders and an eventual sale price of $2,310,000. Our client was disappointed we fell short as he had another property settling that week and he said he would have definitely pushed himself higher for these unique properties if he had more funds available.
We then bid on Kyla and Kara’s apartment for our home buyer clients who were a professional young married couple in their 30s living in Southbank.  The intensive care surgeon and marketing manager couple were keen to bid on both of the north facing properties with the tree lined street views.  We bid strongly to our budget limit of $2,430,000 and again were unfortunately the under bidders, to another real estate professional who bought it for $2,440,000 for a downsizer elderly couple.
We had an investor client who was a business owner in Horsham who was keen to snag a bargain and a 7% return (around the $2.2 million mark) for the next auction but we didn’t get many bids in with six to seven bidders taking the twins’ Alisa and Lysandra’s property to $2,380,000, so we were never really in the hunt for this one. 
The last auction was our home buyer professional couples’ first preference as they were attracted to the amazing city skyline vistas and the larger north facing living area.  I have bid at over 2,000 auctions over the last 19 years as a buyer’s advocate / buyer’s agent and attend many auctions each weekend, and I have never been more nervous at an auction. It was our client’s first choice and our last roll of the dice.
My client was performing operations at his hospital and his female partner was too emotional and nervous to be anywhere near The Block, so she was waiting with family nearby.  I knew there would be five to six bidders for this preferred north facing property so I jumped the bidding early from $1.9 million to $2.2 million, as we now do with most auctions every weekend in the current buoyant Melbourne market place.
I bid confidently and assertively and shook off a few other bidders to be left fighting it out with another buyer's agent, who I found out afterwards was bidding on behalf of an overseas Chinese investor.  It literally came down to the wire and we finally secured the apartment for our home buyers on our last bid of $2,470,000.  It was almost like déjà vu as we missed out on the first three Sky High apartments last year in Park Street South Melbourne before securing the last apartment on our last bid for a single female downsizer client from Glen Iris.
Our delighted home buyer clients arrived to sign contracts in their new home and then had celebratory champagne at their new local, The Vincent.
Our fourth Block auction experience was another exciting action-packed night.  Our two investor clients were disappointed to miss out although they understand how important it is to stick to their set budgets.  The TV show continues to have a successful formula and attracted great support from over four million viewers.  My family and I enjoyed watching the series and enjoyed being a part of the experience again and it’s great to see more positive headlines in the press regarding the Melbourne property market again.  The great Australian dream of owning a beautiful home continues to appeal to viewers and this year resulted in great results for Channel 9, the contestants and all the successful purchasers again.
We look forward to hopefully being involved in our fifth Block series with the <a href="/news/the-block-shifting-to-high-street-prahran-after-objectors-fail-to-lodge-vcat-appeal">office conversions at 121 High Street Prahran</a> which they have already started filming and have already had their first room reveal. The series will air around September later this year. “The Frankinator” looks forward to hopefully being part of the next series!
Frank Valentic is managing director of award-winning buyers' agency <a href="https://www.advantageproperty.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Advantage Property Consulting.</a>
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It was our last throw of the dice: Bidding and winning at The Block: Fans v Faves auctions

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Delisted AFL premiership player Darren Jolly and his wife Deanne are the mystery couple on the next series of The Block, the office block conversion currently underway in High Street, Prahran.
The Sunday Herald Sun, normally compliant with the Channel 9 demands for embargoed Block secrecy, broke the revelation on the weekend, having earlier alluded to a retired sportstar being a contestant.
Last month the couple sold <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-surrey+hills-116232795" target="_blank">their self-renovated Edwardian era Surrey Hills</a> home ahead of the scheduled auction.
It was renovated by the ruckman on days off and after training, along with designs by his fashionista wife.
Last year Jolly completed his building and construction certificate four at night school. The couple paid $1.35 million in 2010.
It was joked among his then Collingwood AFL teammates of his growing interest in renovation and property development
But it was actually Heath Shaw, the former Magpies defender now at GWS, who suggested that he wouldn't mind taking on a spot on The Block.
"I would really enjoy that and I know Darren Jolly is into his home renovations, I could get big Dazza and do all the co-ordination stuff and he could do the building,'' Shaw said in the lead-up to the listing of his then recently completed Kew East home.
Paul Richards, <a href="/news/off-field-top-marks-for-retired-ruck-man-darren-jolly-in-renovated-surrey-hills-cottage">the Bekdon Richards listing agent</a>, described the Jolly's three bedroom cottage renovation as one of the best he’d seen in 13 years in real estate.
Their 1910 house on 450 square metres had period features including high ceilings, stained glass and original fireplaces as well as for contemporary comforts such as refrigerated cooling and ducted heating. 
Just two doors along - another three bedroom 1910 cottage on 410 square metres last sold at $1.1 million in 2007 - sold ahead of its scheduled March auction too. Both recent sale prices have been undisclosed.
<a href="/news">The current Surrey Hills median house price sits at a record $1.28 million</a>, according to RP Data.
There was a $2.15 million sale of a renovated five bedroom cottage on 845 square metres set the street record last November.
The former Collingwood, Sydney and Melbourne ruckman, a two-time premiership player and reluctant 2013 AFL retiree, is St Kilda's part-time ruck coach.
A silly rumour prank that the ruckman was set to to play with the Bonbeach side during 2014, is seemingly set to come to fruition this Friday.
After hearing the rumour, the Bonbeach Sharks president Reece Murphy phoned Jolly who both started to think about it.
At this stage, Jolly has agreed to play only one game with Bonbeach - on Good Friday, when the Sharks host reigning premiers EdiAsp, according to the local paper, the Frankston Standard Leader.
Presumably The Block cameras will be there to cover it, confidentially.
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po-LsXgBTHBmX

Former AFL ruckman Darren Jolly sells Surrey Hills and joins The Block Prahran

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Now that the dust has settled, Property Observer takes a look at what we learned over the course of The Block: Fans v Faves.
<ol>
<li>
Fitout may fade, but aspect is forever. While Steve and Chantelle’s renovating skills may have left a lot to be desired at times, their street-fronting apartment had that all-important north facing aspect. With windows all along their western wall and huge arched windows at the north, their apartment was flooded with light. Should they wish to, changing the apartment’s furnishings will cost the buyers relatively little. 
</li>
<li>
Use the building’s natural features. Contestants this season were lucky enough to makeover one of the most interesting buildings in Albert Park, the former Dux Picture Theatre. With townhouses and apartments in the suburb already in high demand, the rarity of The Block’s warehouse conversions were a huge pull for buyers and audiences. All four teams took advantage of this fact, playing up the industrial elements of their properties with complimentary timber work and exposed red brick. 
</li>
<li>
Location matters, even in TV land. The Block’s producers have an impressive track record now of picking buildings in blue chip inner city suburbs, where demand runs hot and residences are hard to come by. As buyers’ advocate Frank Valentic noted, the couple who purchased the winning apartment this series had been seeking a home in Melbourne’s inner south for some time. With another series of The Block planned for Prahran, the trend is set to continue.  </li>
<li>
Treat your tradies well. Trouble with tradies was a running theme on The Block: Fans v Faves. Poor planning meant that teams at times had to re-do their work with different tradespeople, while disputes lead Alisa and Lysandra to ditch one of their employees. When Property Observer spoke to contestant and professional carpenter Kyal Demmrich, he said that communication was key.  “If you’re going to employ a tradesperson, you’ve got to be upfront and clear about your expectations,” said Kyal. “And if you’re not, you’ve got to voice it early on.” Winning couple Steve and Chantelle have the right idea – they’ve been quoted saying that the first item on their spending agenda is a big party for all their tradies. 
</li>
<li>
Reno smart, sell smarter. With the least experience and the least money, Steve and Chantelle relied on strategy, channelling their energies into the kitchen and living spaces and their master bedroom, two of the most valuable areas for buyers. But it was their clever choice to go last in the auction proceedings that was the couple’s best play, with high demand and low supply the perfect ingredients for a winning price.
</li>
</ol>
For our full coverage of The Block: Fans v Faves, click below
<a href="/expert-insights/buying/the-buyers-behind-the-block-fans-v-faves">The buyers behind The Block: Fans v Faves</a>
<a href="/expert-insights/buying/steve-and-chantelles-auctioneer-david-wood-on-the-blocks-record-breaking-win">Steve and Chantelle's auctioneer David Wood on The Block's record breaking win</a>
<a href="/news/substance-over-style-as-chantelle-and-steve-win-the-block-2014-fans-v-faves">Substance over style as Chantelle and Steve win The Block 2014 Fans V Faves</a>
<a href="/expert-insights/building/on-the-auction-block-our-faves-for-the-finale">On the auction Block: Our faves for the finale</a>
<a href="/expert-insights/buying/kyal-demmrich-on-the-trials-and-triumphs-of-the-block">Kyal Demmrich on the trials and triumphs of The Block</a>
<a href="/expert-insights/the-block-on-show-at-this-weekends-open-for-inspection">The Block on show at this weekend's open for inspection </a>
Open for inspection: The Block Fans v Faves doors open to the public this weekend
<a href="/news/raw-timber-and-red-brick-industrial-design-on-the-block">Raw timber and red brick: Industrial design on The Block</a>
<a href="/news/art-styles-for-apartment-d-cor-lessons-from-the-block">Art styles for apartment décor: Lessons from The Block</a>
<a href="/news/creating-the-perfect-new-york-style-loft-lessons-from-the-block">Creating the perfect New York style loft: Lessons from The Block</a>
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Five lessons from The Block: Fans v Faves

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With the properties on The Block going for record prices, everybody is wondering who paid $2.47 million for Steve and Chantelle’s apartment at 1/47 O’Grady Street.
According to Advantage Property Consulting managing director Frank Valentic, who represented the winning apartment’s buyers at Tuesday’s auction, 1/47 went to a young professional couple who had been seeking a home in Melbourne’s blue chip inner south.
The surgeon and marketer from Southbank were keen on an Albert Park residence after missing out on a property in St Kilda earlier this year. Valentic, who bid on all four apartments, said of his three interested clients, the couple that secured 1/47 were the most emotionally motivated.
“They’re in their thirties, looking to start a family and Albert Park is a great location for it,” he said.
The other two buyers Valentic represented on the night were businessmen looking to purchase apartments at O’Grady Street as investments, who both missed out.
“The investors were very disappointed, but they were unemotional buyers. When we reached our limit, we pulled out.”
The $2.47 million sum was approaching the owner occupier’s maximum price threshold, said Valentic.
“That last bid – we were right on the edge there,” he said. “We got in by the skin of our teeth on the last one.”
Independent valuer and WBP Property chief executive Greville Pabst agreed that emotions were a significant factor in the record-breaking prices seen last night.
“This was never going to be about price or valuation or property fundamentals,” said Pabst.
“There were other drivers – the amount of promotion and marketing by Channel 9, euphoria, the celebrity factor – that really drove the price. It was more about the experience rather than the property.”
“Buyers are thinking, ‘I can afford to buy that property, I want almost to brag to my friends that I bought The Block.’ So price was a secondary factor.”
Pabst pointed to another big celebrity sale which had similar results.
“Another example of that was the former Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s house in Altona. We were expecting high $600,000s to early $700,000s, and it ended up at $950,000 plus.”
On Channel 9’s A Current Affair, Pabst gave Brad and Dale’s apartment the highest value at $2.25 million, followed by Kyal and Kara’s, Alisa and Lysandra’s and finally Steve and Chantelle’s – the exact reverse of the outcomes on auction day. (For what it’s worth, Property Observer predicted that Brad and Dale’s apartment would win, with Steve and Chantelle’s coming in second)
The final results: 
<ol>
<li>Steve and Chantelle, 1/47 O’Grady: $2.47 million ($636,000 above the adjusted reserve)</li>
<li>Alisa and Lysandra, 3/47 O’Grady: $2.375 million ($616,000 above the adjusted reserve)</li>
<li>Kyal and Kara, 2/47 O’Grady: $2.44 million ($567,250 above the adjusted reserve)</li>
<li>Brad and Dale, 4/47 O’Grady: $2.31 million ($507,250 above the adjusted reserve)</li>
</ol>
According to Pabst, the sales order played into the final result. Brad and Dale's property was auctioned first, then Kyal and Kara's, the twins', and Steve and Chantelle's.
“The order of proceedings was definitely a factor. It does come down to supply and demand. If there are seven or eight buyers and three have sold, then you have three or four people competing for the final apartment. But it’s an emotion driven purchase, rather than a purchase based on fundamental value,” he said.
“Apartment 1 was the most inferior but got the highest result.
“The quality of the cabinetry was inferior. The position of the staircase (it was a spiral metal staircase), the general layout of the apartment and the quality of the fixtures and finishes - when you’re spending $2 million plus, these details count.”
While he believes the final sales prices were 10-15% above the properties’ true values, he said the rarity and location of the properties would also have driven up prices.
Valentic, who had also picked Brad and Dale’s apartment as the winner, thought that if the order of sales was shaken up, the final results may have been different.
“The order will always have an influence,” he said. “So if the order was reversed and Brad and Dale weren’t first – if they were close to last, they would have had a better chance.”
While the young couple who bought Steve and Chantelle’s renovation preferred that apartment, they would have bid on the other properties if they had missed out on 1/47 early on.
“We were going for the two north facing ones for the home buyers, and the preference was for Chantelle and Steve’s apartment. But if those two north facing ones had gone earlier, they would have had a go at the other ones. They just wanted to be in the area,” said Valentic.
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The buyers behind The Block: Fans v Faves

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Renovation first timers Steve and Chantelle surprised Australia when they were <a href="/expert-insights/buying/steve-and-chantelles-auctioneer-david-wood-on-the-blocks-record-breaking-win">revealed last night</a> as the winners of The Block: Fans v Faves. Property Observer spoke to auctioneer David Wood, who secured a $2.47 million sale price for the couple.
The Geelong chimney sweep and milliner attracted the highest ever price above reserve on the series. They are also the first Victorian team to ever with The Block, a factor Wood said is not lost on the Victoria-based hockingstuart team.
“We’ve helped them sell a property before, some years ago,” said Wood. “So to be involved with them now, and to be able to create this result with them, is a great outcome.”
The first item of the Tuesday afternoon auction was to decide on the order of sale, a decision Wood believes played into the final result.
<blockquote>
“We’re thrilled with the win, and to set a record price for The Block.”
</blockquote>
“It was determined that we were going to go last,” said Wood, director of hockingstuart Albert Park. “We had substantial interest in the home, so we weren’t afraid to go last.  There were two buyers in particular who had come through before the auction and were very interested in the apartment.
“I think its value was probably underpinned by the previous sales. It was quick to start, and to start at a level that was already pre-determined by the other sales, rather than having to go through a slower start.”
As for hockingstuart’s strategy for the sale, Wood said that the team applied the same fundamentals to selling the underdogs’ apartment as they would for any other property.
“A well conducted auction can play a huge role in maximising price gains,” said Wood. “It’s all about timing – if you go too slow or too fast for someone, you can throw them off the scent.
“As for the marketing, we applied the same approach marketing their property as we would with any other property.
“I think it’s fair to say we came from behind; we were coming last at the turn. We really had to rally the troops and do everything we could to ensure that every potential buyer was covered.
“We took it offshore with a couple of Chinese websites that generated a lot of interest, in addition to going to local markets.”
In the end, the property went to a young local couple. The family had been seeking a property in the area for some time, in what Wood said has been a strong year for the local market, with the last sale of a comparable residence in the village attracting $2.6 million.
As for the chances of a repeat performance, Wood said that he would go back to The Block again if the opportunity arose.
“We’d be delighted to,” said Wood. “We’re thrilled with the win, and to set a record price for The Block.”
 
For our full coverage of The Block: Fans v Faves, click below
<a href="/news/substance-over-style-as-chantelle-and-steve-win-the-block-2014-fans-v-faves">Substance over style as Chantelle and Steve win The Block 2014 Fans V Faves</a>
<a href="/expert-insights/building/on-the-auction-block-our-faves-for-the-finale">On the auction Block: Our faves for the finale</a>
<a href="/expert-insights/buying/kyal-demmrich-on-the-trials-and-triumphs-of-the-block">Kyal Demmrich on the trials and triumphs of The Block</a>
<a href="/expert-insights/the-block-on-show-at-this-weekends-open-for-inspection">The Block on show at this weekend's open for inspection </a>
Open for inspection: The Block Fans v Faves doors open to the public this weekend
<a href="/news/raw-timber-and-red-brick-industrial-design-on-the-block">Raw timber and red brick: Industrial design on The Block</a>
<a href="/news/art-styles-for-apartment-d-cor-lessons-from-the-block">Art styles for apartment décor: Lessons from The Block</a>
<a href="/news/creating-the-perfect-new-york-style-loft-lessons-from-the-block">Creating the perfect New York style loft: Lessons from The Block</a>
 
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Steve and Chantelle's auctioneer David Wood on The Block's record breaking win

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The rookie renovators took out the $100,000 prize on top of a $636,000 profit on the series finale of The Block: Fans v Faves.
Despite copping the lion’s share of the criticism this season, Geelong couple Steve O’Donnell and Chantelle Ford attracted the highest price for their warehouse conversion which sold for $2.47 million.
All four apartments on The Block sold within a relatively small price margin, with Brad and Dale bringing up the rear with $2.31 million.
The results were as follows:
<ol>
<li>Steve and Chantelle, 1/47 O’Grady: $2.47 million ($636,000 above the adjusted reserve)</li>
<li>Alisa and Lysandra, 3/47 O’Grady: $2.375 million ($616,000 above the adjusted reserve)</li>
<li>Kyal and Kara, 2/47 O’Grady: $2.44 million ($567,250 above the adjusted reserve)</li>
<li>Brad and Dale, 4/47 O’Grady: $2.31 million ($507,250 above the adjusted reserve)</li>
</ol>
The top two teams would hardly have minded losing the final challenge to Kyal, Kara, Brad and Dale, who got $27,250 lopped off their reserve price against the twins’ and Steve and Chantelle’s $16,000 reserve cut.
Steve and Chantelle originally preferred apartment 2 for its city views, but after losing a coin toss to Kyal and Kara, chose apartment 1. While Kyal and Kara’s apartment at 2/47 offers both a sunny northerly aspect and city views, 1/47 also sits at the northern street side of the warehouse, with the advantage of windows all along the building’s western side.
Despite the team’s inexperience and the criticisms levelled against their styling credentials, the apartment’s stellar location had them take out the major prize. As one property expert commented, “You can change the furnishings, but you can’t change the aspect.”
But it seemed that perhaps one of the greatest factors at play was the order in which the auctions took place, with prices ascending with each successive auction. Each team nominated their position in the proceedings, with Brad and Dale choosing to go first, followed by Kyal and Kara, then Alisa and Lysandra before Steve and Chantelle.
By volunteering for final position, the winning couple were able to take advantage of buyer desperation with all other apartments already sold.
Proceedings opened with Brad and Dale’s apartment, auctioned by Karl Gillon of Buxton Albert Park. A vendor bid was placed at $1.75 million, finishing at $2.31 million. Kyal and Kara’s apartment was auctioned by Warwick Gardiner of Greg Hocking Holdsworth, who brought in $2.44 million for the married couple. Next was Alisa and Lysandra’s tri-level, auctioned by Anton Wongtraken of Dingle Partners, who handled the sale of their winning apartment on The Block: Sky High. 
Steve and Chantelle’s auction by David Wood of Hocking Stuart saw two buyers’ agents locked in a bidding war, with Block mainstay Frank Valentic of Advantage Property Consulting securing the final apartment for a young couple at $2.47 million. The result makes Steve and Chantelle's profit margin the highest ever seen in The Block's 11 year history.
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Substance over style as Chantelle and Steve win The Block 2014 Fans V Faves

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After months of watching the four teams of The Block: Fans v Faves battle it out to produce the best apartment, viewers will tomorrow night finally get to see which property beats the rest.
Closure will come a little earlier for the contestants themselves, with the Albert Park apartments going up for auction at 5pm tonight. While there will be plenty of spectators, Property Observer guesses that self-represented buyers won’t be the major bidders of tonight’s auction.
The big players are likely to be the usual suspects of Melbourne’s buyers’ agent scene. Frank Valentic of Advantage Property Consulting will be there; the buyers’ agent has been <a href="https://twitter.com/FrankValentic" target="_blank">busy on Twitter</a>, posting pictures of himself and his kids with contestant Dale and host Scott Cam on his tour of the apartments. 
Viewers may remember Frank from last year’s The Block: Sky High, where he bid on all five apartments, successfully securing the final apartment renovated by Matt and Kim for a single woman from Glen Iris.
As for which team will win, the final result will be anyone’s guess.
KYAL AND KARA
<blockquote>
Kyal and Kara's- First impressions count, and this might not cut it. 
</blockquote>
While Kyal and Kara’s apartment at <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/2-47-o-grady-street-albert-park/Property-Details-buy-residential-6831567?gclid=CMW7svjcz70CFUchpQodXVkA9Q" target="_blank">2/47 O’Grady Street</a> (pictured below) has the best upstairs terrace by far, with high quality finishings, their living area feels the smallest of all the four apartments. While we noted <a href="/expert-insights/the-block-on-show-at-this-weekends-open-for-inspection">after the open for inspection</a> that this wasn’t such a bad thing, first impressions do count with buyers – and two storeys up is a long way to travel for the eventual return.
<img src="/images/2014/04/08/2%2047%20albert%20park%20april%208%20one.jpg" alt="">
ALISA AND LYSANDRA
<blockquote>
Alisa and Lysandra's- Light-filled but perhaps not one for emotional buyers.
</blockquote>
The twins’ <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-albert+park-116350463" target="_blank">apartment at 3/47</a> (pictured below) makes itself known immediately upon entering, with its huge light filled kitchen. However, the void is compensating for the apartment’s south-west aspect, and eats up space from the bedrooms. While the finishings in their apartment are high quality, the bedroom spaces in particular do feel quite cold, which may turn off emotional buyers.
<img src="/images/2014/04/08/1.jpg" alt="">
STEVE AND CHANTELLE
<blockquote>
Steve and Chantelle's- Despite teething problems, there's value to be had. 
</blockquote>
While Steve and Chantelle’s struggles were well documented on-screen, in reality <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/property/for-sale/apartment-unit-flat/vic/albert-park/?adid=2011049155" target="_blank">their apartment</a> (pictured below) has a great northerly aspect and is well planned. While some of the furnishings and styling choices may read a little tacky, a smart buyer with value in mind will disregard the superficial details of 1/47 and recognise its underlying value.
<img src="/images/2014/04/08/15.jpg" alt="">
BRAD AND DALE
<blockquote>
Brad and Dale's- Leaves a strong impression and is a strong contender.
</blockquote>
Brad and Dale’s <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/4-47-o-grady-street-albert-park/Property-Details-buy-residential-6799205" target="_blank">apartment at 4/47</a> (pictured below) is clean, bright, and makes a strong impression. In particular, its living room and kitchen area feels expansive, with high ceilings and bright décor. The boys have been smart to accentuate the size of their kitchen and living areas and their master bedroom. 
<img src="/images/2014/04/08/3.jpg" alt="">
At Property Observer, our money is on Brad and Dale, on the strength of their living and kitchen spaces and terrace views, with Steve and Chantelle's bright apartment coming in second.
Before tomorrow's finale, brush up on The Block with our highlights from the season:
<a href="/expert-insights/buying/kyal-demmrich-on-the-trials-and-triumphs-of-the-block">Kyal Demmrich on the trials and triumphs of The Block</a>
<a href="/expert-insights/the-block-on-show-at-this-weekends-open-for-inspection">The Block on show at this weekend's open for inspection </a>
Open for inspection: The Block Fans v Faves doors open to the public this weekend
<a href="/news/raw-timber-and-red-brick-industrial-design-on-the-block">Raw timber and red brick: Industrial design on The Block</a>
<a href="/news/art-styles-for-apartment-d-cor-lessons-from-the-block">Art styles for apartment décor: Lessons from The Block</a>
<a href="/news/creating-the-perfect-new-york-style-loft-lessons-from-the-block">Creating the perfect New York style loft: Lessons from The Block</a>
<a href="/news/vic/five-renovation-lessons-from-last-nights-the-block-fans-v-faves">Five renovation lessons from last night's The Block: Fans v Faves</a>
 
 
 
 
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