Local developer Harridan is seeking to turn its Woolloongabba apartment project into the first stage of a broader transformation of Burke Street, using a new 16-storey mixed-use building to establish a greener pedestrian connection toward the rapidly evolving Boggo Road transport and knowledge precinct.

The South East Queensland developer has filed plans for 154 apartments on the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/4-burke-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">southern side of Burke Street</a>, where its proposal has been designed alongside a wider vision by LatStudios for the street.

That vision positions the southern side of Burke Street for buildings of 15 storeys and above, while envisaging lower-rise development of up to five storeys on the northern side to transition into Woolloongabba's existing character housing. It also proposes wider pedestrian verges, deep planting, new street trees and upgrades to the pedestrian approach to Boggo Road Station.

The Harridan development itself has been designed by Brisbane-based Arqus Design and will comprise 154 apartments across 16 storeys. The mix is weighted heavily toward two-bedroom apartments, with 121 proposed alongside 10 one-bedroom and 23 three-bedroom residences. There will typically be around 14 units per floor.

A lower-ground car park and three podium levels will accommodate 156 resident parking spaces, along with visitor and commercial parking. There will also be 154 resident bicycle spaces and 40 visitor bicycle parks.

&nbsp;

Harridan is a family-owned developer and part of the Holmwood Highgate Group, with more than three decades of development activity across South East Queensland. Its portfolio spans residential, commercial and industrial property, with current residential projects including Riverbank on Byron in Bulimba, Esperance Residences in Carina and The Precinct at Kinross Road in Thornlands.

Wooloongabba has been popular for apartment developers, particularly since the announcement of the 2032 Summer Olympics games in Brisbane.

While there have been a lot of development applications, it has failed to materialize into real supply.&nbsp;

Sarazin has been the major player in the area. They are under construction at Murcia Residences, on the fringe of East Brisbane and Woolloongabba. They have just launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-stanley-residences-woolloongabba-8-trafalgar-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">The Stanley Residences</a>, in Woolloongabba on Trafalagar Street. They also have Nuage coming soon on the nearby <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nuage-woolloongabba-14-wellington-road-woolloongabba-qld-4102">Wellington Road</a>.

Joel Robinson

First look: Harridan plans Burke Street transformation beside Boggo Road transport hub

IN BRIEF

<ul>
	<li>
	Just three double-storey Sky Homes sit at the top of The Waterline, each with its own private marina berth and rooftop terrace.
	</li>
	<li>
	Construction on The Waterline is complete, with the first residents expected to move in from mid-October.
	</li>
	<li>
	Sky Homes range from 282 sqm to 367 sqm and are priced from $3.65 million.
	</li>
</ul>

<hr />
Lewis Land has opened the first completed sky home for inspection at Harbour Shores, giving buyers their first opportunity to step inside one of just three double-storey residences crowning The Waterline.

Each sky home comes with its own private marina berth, rooftop terrace and Broadwater views, combining the scale of a larger home with direct access to the boating lifestyle that underpins the wider <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/harbour-shores-biggera-waters-564-oxley-drive-biggera-waters-qld-4216">Harbour Shores</a> masterplan.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=366708]

Lewis Land Head of Development Michael Long said the inclusion of a berth with every Sky Home had become increasingly valuable as marina access across the Gold Coast tightened.

“Marina berths are becoming increasingly difficult to secure across the Gold Coast, so including one with every Sky Home makes this a genuinely rare offering,” Long said.

“The private 70-berth marina will accommodate boats up to 12 metres in length and is positioned just 2.5 kilometres from the Broadwater, placing the open ocean only 15 minutes away.

“Being able to step out of your home onto your boat is a rare luxury, and it’s something residents here can look forward to when it opens later this year.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=366709]

The display opening comes as construction completes on The Waterline, with the first residents expected to move in from mid-October.

The three Sky Homes range from 282 sqm to 367 sqm and each feature three bedrooms, three bathrooms, multiple living zones, expansive kitchens with butler's pantries and large balconies taking in the Broadwater outlook.

Each residence also has three secure basement car spaces and additional storage.

“This is the first opportunity the Gold Coast has had to step into Harbour Shores and see, touch and feel what we’re bringing to life here,” Long said.

“There are only three Sky Homes within The Waterline, ranging in size from 282sqm to 367sqm, with each residence featuring three large bedrooms, three bathrooms, multiple living zones, expansive custom-built kitchens with butler’s pantry, and large balconies capturing Broadwater views.”

<img alt="Harbour Shores" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bab65e10-4fab-45e1-92d8-fc56e2ab98ff" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%202.00.16%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=XT8q76LsPkw3cYTsvN3JfFDaPLud90PN" />

Residents of The Waterline will have access to a private pool, along with Harbour Shores' wider collection of amenity including a lagoon pool, social clubhouse, tennis court, gym, yoga facilities and sauna.

Lewis Land partnered with Studio Collective to furnish the completed display, with the interiors designed to demonstrate how the residences could function as permanent homes rather than simply as show apartments.

Studio Collective Director Melissa Park said the surrounding waterways informed the interiors, but in a more restrained way than a traditional coastal scheme.

“We drew inspiration from the canals and coastal surrounds, but our approach was to interpret that subtly through layered materials and a grounded palette of earthy tones, rather than literal coastal references,” Park said.

“We introduced hero moments of green and teal to reference the surrounding waterways, while mirrored elements help reflect natural light.

“The result is a residence that feels elevated yet comfortable, somewhere buyers can genuinely imagine themselves living, entertaining and unwinding.”

Sky Homes are priced from $3.65 million.

Lewis Land is also offering private marina berths with The Residences, its limited collection of three and four-bedroom villas positioned directly along the Harbour Shores waterfront boardwalk.

Three-bedroom villas are priced from $2.99 million, while four-bedroom residences start from $3.19 million.

Harbour Shores is being marketed by Colliers International.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=113271]

Lewis Land opens sky home display as The Waterline completes at Harbour Shores

St Vincent de Paul Society Housing Australia has filed plans for a major mixed-use housing precinct on the southern edge of the North Sydney CBD, adding another significant proposal to a pocket around North Sydn​ey Station that is quickly becoming one of the LGA's busiest development zones.

The State Significant Development Application covers a 5,990 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/1-19-mackenzie-street-lavender-bay-nsw-2060">1-19 MacKenzie Street and 211 Blues Point Road in Lavender Bay</a>, immediately south of Nor​th Sydney Station and between the commercial core and the lower-rise Lavender Bay Heritage Conservation Area.

Designed by Wardle, the proposal would deliver a new residential tower comprising 88 build-to-sell apartments and 19 affordable apartments, alongside a separate co-living building with 57 rooms and a building manager's studio.

It would also see the significant restoration and upgrade of St Francis Xavier Catholic Church, the adaptive reuse of the former school building, new parish facilities, retail, a new public square and around 1,000 sqm of publicly accessible open space.

<img alt="Vinnies North Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d5dd7f87-a617-463e-b577-17541e01f0e9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.10.13%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4R8TsFN3P_LrrXO2HswTOIrx2blil8lh" />

The project is seeking a concurrent rezoning of the site to R4 High Density Residential and an increase in the maximum building height to allow a tower reaching RL120, or up to 20 storeys. The proposal was progressed through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

The build-to-sell component will be weighted toward larger apartments, with just six one-bedroom apartments compared with 31 two-beds, 43 three-beds and eight four-bedroom residences.

The 19 affordable apartments will comprise two studios, 15 one-bedroom apartments and two two-bedroom apartments, taking the total apartment component to 107 residences before the 58 co-living rooms are included.

<img alt="Vnnies" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7d568ca5-cb90-4e18-96c6-d9795dba0c56" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.10.05%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=GY2R5M9VtQh0EKy1vajaea19PSLOPuRD" />

Wardle's design for the Vinnies site has sought to negotiate that emerging high-rise context while retaining the lower-scale character of MacKenzie Street and the adjoining heritage conservation area.

The main building adopts a three-storey podium and tower arrangement, with the podium aligned to the ridgeline and front setback of St Francis Xavier Church.&nbsp;Wardle has designed the podium with colonnades, seating, recessed entries and active ground-floor frontages, with sandstone-toned precast concrete and face brick referencing the materiality of the existing church.

The tower then steps back eight metres to the south and six metres to the north before rising in a sculpted form comprising four interlocking quadrants. Wardle has also introduced rounded forms and chamfered corners to reduce the tower's perceived bulk and improve view sharing with neighbouring development sites.

Resident facilities and outdoor areas are planned at the separation between the podium and tower at Level 3, oriented toward Sydney Harbour and the CBD skyline.

The tower itself will feature a glass reinforced concrete facade, with recessed balconies and deep reveals used both to provide shading and privacy and frame views toward the harbour and city. The lower levels take a different architectural approach, using brick and sandstone-toned finishes intended to establish a stronger relationship with St Francis Xavier Church. The Church itself will be conserved and upgraded for its continued use, while the former school building will be adaptively reused as part of the co-living component.

<img alt="Lavendar Bay" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2d4418ad-90aa-4d49-af93-c80b140aea80" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.09.47%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Kv4gzbsACaGvZSRuaqcfGC54jEJRXIDJ" />

&nbsp;

The proposal adds to an increasingly concentrated pipeline of residential development around Blue Street, MacKenzie Street and Lavender Bay.

Just west of the site, Central Element lodged plans earlier this year for one of the most significant residential developments proposed in Lavender Bay in recent years.

Central Element's SJB-designed scheme at 64-66 Lavender Street and 3-7 Middlemiss Street would deliver 163 apartments across two towers rising 23 and 32 storeys, replacing five existing apartment buildings containing 32 homes. The project also forms part of the Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-central-element-reveals-lavender-bay-apartment-plans?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">First look: Central Element reveals Lavender Bay apartment plans</a>

Immediately around North Sy​dney Station, another two significant proposals have emerged at 5 and 15 Blue Street.

Zurich Australian Insurance Properties is seeking to adaptively reuse its longstanding commercial building at 5 Blue Street, directly above North Sydney Station, rather than demolishing the structure.

Its SSDA proposes converting the building into a 14-storey mixed-use development with 62 apartments and 86 co-living rooms, together with ground-floor retail and a major refurbishment of Blue Street Plaza. The application is currently at the Response to Submissions stage.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-zurich-targets-north-sydney-office-conversion-with-148-unit-proposal-above-metro-station">First look: Zurich targets North Sydney office conversion with 148-unit proposal above Metro station</a>

&nbsp;

First look: Vinnies files for 20-storey Lavender Bay apartment tower as North Sydney housing pocket heats up

When the opportunity arose for South Australian developer Palumbo to return to Kent Town, where it had previously delivered East Park Apartments and the East 
Rundle Apartments, it wasn't one the longstanding developer-builder was going to pass up.

The decision was quickly vindicated, with more than 30 apartments sold within the first month of launching <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/royal-apartments-kent-town-2-8-north-terrace-kent-town-sa-5067">Royal Apartments</a> to the market.

The 206-apartment development, which will bring significant new supply to Adelaide's tightly held eastern city fringe, also gives <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/palumbo">Palumbo</a> the opportunity to bring new life to one of Kent Town's most recognisable watering holes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376073]

Royal Apartments incorporates the historic Royal Hotel, a venue Palumbo Managing Director Daniel Palumbo said has a longstanding connection with the local community.

"Everyone in the area has history with the Royal Hotel," Palumbo told Apartments.com.au.

"It was quite an active pub and social gathering place for locals. We want to bring it back to its former glory."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376072]

The wider development will comprise two residential towers alongside the restored hotel, sitting on North Terrace opposite the Adelaide Park Lands.

For Palumbo, the project also marks a return to familiar territory.

The developer completed East Park Apartments next door more than a decade ago and jumped at the opportunity to develop in Kent Town again when the Royal Hotel site became available.

"The opportunity emerged, and we moved to secure the site," Palumbo said.

"We were approached by the previous landowner, who said they had extensive commitments in Sydney and weren't in a position to deliver the project.

"We took over the site and within six months recut the design scheme to be more in keeping with the type of development we want to bring to Adelaide.

"Now we're on the market and those changes have really resonated with local buyers."

That has translated into a strong start to sales, with 33 apartments transacting in the project's first 35 days.

Palumbo said the early purchaser profile had been consistent with the group's traditional focus on owner-occupiers rather than investor-led apartment stock.

"Local owner-occupiers have always been our market," he said.

"There are always some investors, but we've never developed what would be called traditional development stock. Owner-occupiers are very much our market."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376068]

The buyer mix has been diverse so far, with downsizers and younger professionals both accounting for a significant portion of early sales.

South Australia's current stamp duty settings, which allow&nbsp;eligible homeowners in South Australia aged 60 savings of up to $103,830 on stamp duty when they downsize to a new property valued at up to $2 million,&nbsp;have helped encourage downsizer activity, while younger buyers in their late 20s and early 30s have been attracted to the opportunity to live immediately outside the CBD while still being able to walk into the city.



Location has been a major part of the proposition for both buyer cohorts.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376075]

Royal Apartments sits on North Terrace directly opposite the Adelaide Park Lands, with residents able to walk through the parklands toward the East End, Rundle Street and Rundle Mall.

Apartments have been positioned to capture views across the parklands, Adelaide skyline, Botanic Gardens and Adelaide Hills.

Palumbo believes the scarcity of developable land along this section of the Park Lands makes the site particularly difficult to replicate.

"There's very few allotments on that side that can be developed," he said.

"If this location was in New York and you were sitting on Central Park, you'd be talking about a $60 million apartments."

Royal Apartments will offer a broad mix of residences, ranging from one-bedroom apartments through to four-bedroom sub-penthouses and penthouses.

Current listings include one-bedroom apartments from $680,000, while larger three and four-bedroom residences are priced around $2.5 million.

Residents will have access to a swimming pool, gym, barbecue and recreation areas, residents' lounge and dining space, and a communal deck.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376067]

The apartments will feature generous balconies, while secure parking, bicycle storage and storage cages will also be provided.

A porte-cochère-style arrival and drop-off area has also resonated with buyers, particularly those attracted to being able to walk into the CBD during the day while retaining secure vehicle access at home.

Palumbo is acting as developer, architect and builder on Royal Apartments, continuing the vertically integrated model it has used across its South Australian portfolio.

The group was also behind the $150 million Sofitel Adelaide, the 251-room five-star hotel and residential tower which opened in 2021.

Palumbo said Royal's launch had come at an interesting time for the broader Adelaide apartment market.

Buyer confidence had initially been impacted by uncertainty surrounding the Federal Budget and broader economic conditions, but Palumbo believes sentiment is beginning to improve against a backdrop of significant investment flowing into South Australia.

He pointed to increased activity across defence and resources, including Olympic Dam, as potential long-term drivers of the state's economy and housing market.

"Money is starting to flow into Adeliade, significant amounts as Adelaide bucks the trend of the rest of the country.," Palumbo said.

"There's a lot of activity in the economy over the next decade. I think more investment will come into this market."

Early works on Royal Apartments are expected to commence this year, with major construction activity and cranes anticipated on site from early next year.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6109]

Palumbo's return to Kent Town strikes early chord with buyers

Go-to builder-developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/graya">GRAYA</a> is continuing to bulk out its already impressive and diverse apartment portfolio across South East Queensland. Their latest milestone is securing development approval for Silk, its boutique riverfront apartment development in St Lucia.

The approval clears&nbsp;the way for the team to begin construction planning for the 22-residence project.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/silk-st-lucia-16-18-sandford-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">Silk</a> will rise 15 levels from an 810 sqm site at 16-18 Sandford Street, occupying a prominent bend of the Brisbane River with a prized northern aspect across Orleigh Park toward the Brisbane CBD.

The approved scheme will comprise 16 split-floor and six full-floor residences, continuing GRAYA's move into larger-format apartment developments targeting Brisbane's prestige owner-occupier market.

The project has been designed around the site's broad river frontage and dual-direction views, with GRAYA prioritising larger residences, privacy and outlook over apartment yield.

<img alt="Silk St Lucia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aa5c2349-f96c-4914-a812-1f2cd6827af8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%208.25.44%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=WY0vEU_7vYjeRJKQHiCwFdMxu8PvFh52" />

GRAYA Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Rob Gray said the project had been shaped around local homeowners wanting to remain in St Lucia without maintaining a traditional family home.

"St Lucia is one of those suburbs people do not want to leave," Gray said.

"They know the river, the trees, UQ, the golf course, Toowong and Indooroopilly, and that familiarity is hard to replace.

"True riverfront opportunities here are exceptionally scarce. What we have designed at Silk is a way to stay in the suburb people love, with the scale and privacy of a private home and far less to maintain.

"This is not typical apartment product. It is a proper home on the river, and that is exactly what this market has been missing."

The approval comes as new apartment development continues to increase across the St Lucia and neighbouring Toowong corridor, although direct riverfront sites remain considerably more tightly held.

GRAYA Co-founder and Managing Director Andrew Gray said securing the approval had removed a significant element of development risk from Silk.

"Genuine riverfront sites of this quality in St Lucia are not something that comes up regularly," Gray said.

"The approval removes a substantial layer of execution risk, and the location underwrites demand in a way very few inner-city sites can.

"The fundamentals here are as strong as anything we have assessed in Brisbane."

<img alt="Silk St Lucia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d0f3d734-65e1-48e8-8ed3-2e0715ffcdd9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%208.25.56%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sOLSs_jdHkXLWbBKzRyayf5BfTb2vPsD" />

Silk will see GRAYA return to a stretch of the Brisbane River where it already has recent construction experience. The vertically integrated group recently completed ARC in neighbouring Toowong as builder for developer Spyre, delivering the riverfront project on a constrained site.

GRAYA will take a different role at Silk, controlling the project from design and development through construction and aftercare under its vertically integrated model.

The development will include a gym and resident leisure areas at ground level, integrated with the river's edge.

Silk joins a growing pipeline for GRAYA across Brisbane and the Gold Coast, which includes Enclave, The Gallery, Coral and Ripple.

The developer-builder has also recently lodged plans for its largest project to date, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-silo-19-chester-street-newstead-qld-4006">The Silo</a>, a proposed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/graya-buys-frasers-newstead-site-plans-the-silo-between-james-street-and-gasworks-precincts">$700 million mixed-use development</a> in Brisbane's James Street precinct.

Silk is expected to predominantly target local owner-occupiers and prestige buyers seeking a permanent riverfront home in Brisbane's inner west.

Registrations of interest are now open, with further details on the project and construction program to be released as it progresses.

<hr />
<h2>SILK PROJECT FACTS</h2>

Developer-builder: GRAYA

Project: Silk

Location: 16-18 Sandford Street, St Lucia

Apartments: 22

Built form: 15 levels

Site: 810 sqm riverfront holding

Mix: 16 split-floor and six full-floor residences

Status: Development approved

Next step: Construction planning underway

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152168]

GRAYA greenlit for riverfront St Lucia apartment development, Silk

The Block

<html><body>
The Block celebrity couple Elyse Knowles and Josh Barker have secured a tenant for their newly acquired South Melbourne investment property.
The couple paid $1.42 million for the home (pictured above), however elected not to renovate before seeking a $690 a week tenant.
The home has two bedrooms, one bathroom and a courtyard.
There's no doubt the couple will renovate when they get a break from their busy lives in the public eye.
Elyse is a model with Myer.
They won The Block Elsternwick last year when comedian <a href="/news/comedian-dave-hughes-buys-the-block-elsternwick-winner-from-josh-and-elyse">Dave Hughes spent $3 million on their reno. </a>
Josh and Elyse purchase came after they spent $1.35 million in the neighbouring Albert Park late last year. 
They moved in to the 1880s home and Josh painted everything white.
They appear to be set to renovate imminently.
Their purchase came after they scored $1.63 million for another renovation job, this one in Coburg.
They had paid $600,000 in 2014.
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

The Block's Josh and Elyse spend $1.42 million on South Melbourne investment cottage

<html><body>
Viewers will be able to interact with the most recent season of The Block New Zealand in a new way.
The season seven finale of the channel Three show, which is set to air later this month, will allow for live bidding and streaming via the show’s digital auction partner, Gavl.
The houses are to be auctioned on September 30 at the Grand Millennium in Auckland at 7pm. Real estate agency Ray White has put the homes on the market with the listings for 21, 23, 25 and 27 Frances Bryers Rd going live this week.
Pre-registered and authenticated bidders on Gavl will be able to access the livestreaming and live bidding functionality.
During the auction, Gavl representatives will be present in the auction room to announce the bids of the remote Gavl bidders. 
Co-founder of Gavl, Joel Smith, claims that on average the platform attracts 47% more viewers than traditional auctions.
“We’re thrilled that Gavl will play a role in the final stage of The Block NZ Live Auction, with the show continuing to achieve strong success among viewers,” Smith said.
“There are many benefits Gavl provide sellers at auction – including our livestreaming technology, which has just a one-second latency, and an unlimited buying pool on the day through our remote live bidding functionality. 
“Traditionally, the only way to participate in a real estate auction is to physically attend the auction or via phone, but Gavl will give New Zealanders and even overseas buyers the opportunity to watch and bid from wherever they are.”
<ul type="disc">
<li>Amy and Stu – 27 Frances Bryers Road, Hobsonville (pictured above)<a id="m_-7381544828136228593LPlnk174502" href="http://bit.ly/gavl_amystu" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&amp;q=http://bit.ly/gavl_amystu&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1536289365735000&amp;usg=AFQjCNGROZ3yBFh-3RWbsJjEmE2mIBlYJQ"> </a></li>
</ul>
<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/2018/9/6/23%20frances%20bryers%20rd.jpg" alt="">
<ul type="disc">
<li>Ben and Tom – 23 Frances Bryers Road, Hobsonville (pictured above)</li>
</ul>
<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/2018/9/6/21%20frances%20bryers%20rd%20.jpg" alt="">
<ul type="disc">
<li>Claire and Agni – 21 Frances Bryers Road, Hobsonville (pictured above)<a id="m_-7381544828136228593LPlnk118985" href="http://bit.ly/gavl_claireagni" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&amp;q=http://bit.ly/gavl_claireagni&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1536289365735000&amp;usg=AFQjCNF5BPw1BbX3KNZPq7bmQFuGbf70jw"> </a></li>
</ul>
<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/2018/9/6/25%20frances%20bryers%20rd.jpg" alt="">
<ul type="disc">
<li>Chloe and Em – 25 Frances Bryers Road, Hobsonville (pictured above)</li>
</ul>
</body></html>

The Block New Zealand brings in live online bidding for finale auctions 

<html><body>
This season's series of The Block is coming to the end, as the renovated apartments in St Kilda's Gatwick Hotel are listed for sale.
Each of the apartments are tipped to fetch over $2 million.
Melbourne locals and professional netball players Bianca and Carla are the bookies favourites, just ahead of South Australian husband and wife duo Kerrie and Spence.
The final will be aired live on September 22. Below are the renovated apartments from each contestant.
<h3><a href="https://www.domain.com.au/1-34-fitzroy-street-st-kilda-vic-3182-2014552025" target="_blank">1/34 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda</a></h3>
Team: Kerrie and Spence
<div>
<div><img src="https://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/h/1/3/x/q/j/image.imgtype.articleLeadwide.620x349.png/1534212581030.png" alt="Heated towel rails are a must for luxurious bathrooms." title="" width="100%"></div>
<div> </div>
</div>
Kerrie and Spence’s refined style have ensured this apartment has a “sophisticated and timeless interior.”
The couple from South Australia’s apartment features a guest room with reading nook and library, a bedroom with floor to ceiling bookshelves and a main bathroom with “striking black cabinetry,” according to the listing.
Hockingstuart Albert Park agents Stephanie Evans and Emily Adams are marketing the property.
<h3><a href="https://www.domain.com.au/2-34-fitzroy-street-st-kilda-vic-3182-2014552033" target="_blank">2/34 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda</a></h3>
Team: Courtney and Hans
<div>
<div><img src="https://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/h/1/3/x/q/n/image.imgtype.articleLeadwide.620x349.png/1534212470715.png" alt="The dropped ceiling and recessed LED lighting creates a high-end feel in Hans and Courtney's bathroom." title="" width="100%"></div>
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The winners of the first room reveal – Western Australian couple Courtney and Hans’ flawless finishes add to the elegance.
The main bathroom’s terrazzo floors are a favourite of The Block 2018 host Scott Cam. 
Wilson Port Phillips agents Jesse Raeburn and Graeme Wilson are marketing the apartment.
<h3><a href="https://www.domain.com.au/3-34-fitzroy-street-st-kilda-vic-3182-2014552048" target="_blank">3/34 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda</a></h3>
Team: Hayden and Sara
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Dubbed The Block‘s most controversial couple, Hayden and Sara’s sub-penthouse apartment features one of the most expensive bathrooms with an expensive brass bath.
At 250 square metres, the apartment is as big as a home.
The apartment is being marketed by Michael Townsend and Josh Stirling at McGrath St Kilda.
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<h3><a href="https://www.domain.com.au/4-34-fitzroy-street-st-kilda-vic-3182-2014552052" target="_blank">4/34 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda</a></h3>
Team: Norm and Jess
<img src="https://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/h/1/3/x/q/l/image.imgtype.articleLeadwide.620x349.png/1534212381488.png" alt="The tub took centre stage in every bathroom on The Block" title="" width="100%">
Put together by Queensland couple Norm and Jess, the luxe guest bedroom features a bed with a velvet bed head. The main bathroom includes a two-metre tall maple tree as well as a stone-looking bath.
Hockingstuart St Kilda agents Sam Inan and Julian Cannata said any visitor would love the welcoming feel and comfort factor in their guest bedroom.
<h3><a href="https://www.domain.com.au/5-34-fitzroy-street-st-kilda-vic-3182-2014552057" target="_blank">5/34 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda</a></h3>
Team: Bianca and Carla
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Former professional netballers Bianca and Carla have luxury in their penthouse apartment.
The main bathroom boasts a silver galaxy dolomite stone feature wall.
Bianca and Carla’s master bedroom ensuite also features his and hers vanities.
Michael Papwroth and Peter Kakos at The Agency Melbourne have the listing.
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The Block Gatwick St Kilda apartments hit the market at $2 million plus

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The Block Elsternwick home designed Sticks and Wombat has been listed for sale, with a loss or maybe breakeven being tipped.
The five-bedroom, four-bathroom Elsternwick property is set to go under the hammer on<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-elsternwick-129120878" target="_blank"> September 16</a> with $2.65 to $2.75 million price guidance.
The 46B Regent Street last sold for $2.65 million, plus $145,000 stamp duty and other costs.
Larrikins, Mark “Sticks” Croker and Clint “Wombat” Price were fourth place getters last October on the televised auction taking home a profit of $130,000.
Built with an extensive use of reclaimed timber, the <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-elsternwick-126568418" target="_blank">five bedroom home</a> was initially marketed as coming with a 'James Bond' hidden wine cabinet and a private landscaped garden with heated Container pool.
<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/2017/10/23/Wombat2.jpg" alt="">
The New South Wales representatives won the hallway week and the front facade and garden week competitions during the series last October.
Noel Jones Doncaster agents Daniel D'Assisi and David Fileccia sold the listing but have missed out on its relisting reportedly going to Michael Paproth at The Agency who advised recent comparables were:
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1 19 Murray St ELSTERNWICK 3185
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$2,785,000
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30/03/2018
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2 27 Hamilton St BRIGHTON 3186
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$2,750,000
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17/04/2018
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3 373 Kooyong Rd ELSTERNWICK 3185
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$2,650,000
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25/03/2018
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Loss expected as The Block Elsternwick home Sticks and Wombat designed relisted for sale

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The last winners of the Block series, model Elyse Knowles and her boyfriend Josh Barker, are taking their time on their latest renovation project.
They have spent $1.35 million on an 1880s Albert Park terrace (pictured above) - but have yet to lodge any development application on the home that had previously sold in 1978 for $34,000.
It is on the same block as where the 2014 series took place.
The couple were clear winners of last year's series in Elsternwick when selling the 1920s farmhouse for $3.07 million to the Melbourne comedian Dave Hughes. Winning them $547,000, it was the highest price ever seen on The Block since its 2003 inception at Bondi Beach.
Their own interrupted Coburg Californian bungalow transformation secured a windfall $1.63 million sale after paying $600,000 in 2014.
It was advertised as "the home of a master craftsman and an interior designer".
But Elyse's fashion modelling career is taking off as she makes her runway debut for Myer on August 23 in Sydney alongside Jennifer Hawkins and other Myer faces such as Rachael Finch, Kris Smith and former AFL player Josh Gibson.
This article first appeared in The Sunday Telegraph
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Block winners Josh and Elyse spend $1.35 million in Albert Park

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The Block judge Neale Whitaker has possibly finally found a buyer for his Alexandria apartment.
It went under offer last week.
But that's no guarantee these days given valuer caution amid declining prices and lenders getting tougher too in the wake of increased regulatory surveillance and the instinctive caution arising out of the royal commission. 
Whitaker always expected to sell with a loss on the bolthole.
Whitaker paid $1,705,000 in 2016 but the apartment went to its mid-May auction with a guide of around $1.65 million.
After the auction was pulled it was then $1.6 million, and its latest guide had it as seeking offers over $1.55 million. 
The apartment, which is the best decorated in the complex, sits in an SJB-designed warehouse style block.
The 135 space comprises three bedrooms.
BresicWhitney agents Ivan Bresic and Melinda Antella have the offering.
Whitaker and partner David Novak-Piper have bought on <a href="/news/the-block-judge-neale-whitaker-buys-south-coast-retreat">the NSW south coast</a>.
It is in the Shoalhaven hamlet Bundewallah, set 4 kilometres from Berry.
They have bought a four-bedroom 1930s homestead for $1,837,500 which was on the market for just three weeks.
It had a $1.9 million asking price.
It last sold at $815,000 in 2014.
It is a renovated four bedroom, two bathroom country home marketed as where original features are combined with all modern conveniences.
There is a double garage with studio and workshop space.
The property comes with farm shed, stock yard, 2.5 acres plus horse paddock, with room for a pool.
There is a wide north facing verandah with district views on the cul-de-sac holding.
This article was first published in the Sunday Telegraph.
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firstname1-iYD4UYzvBa

Neale Whitaker's Alexandria apartment goes under offer

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The contestant for the forthcoming 14th series of The Block have been revealed.
The five couples from across the country will be tasked with renovating St Kilda's iconic Gatwick Hotel.
The opening promo has been pitched to focus on its St Kilda beach proximity, not its Fitzroy Street grunge
The successful applicants have been hankering to tell the world of their selection through their social media platforms and local media outlets.
The local renovators are best friends, champion netballers Bianca Chatfield and Carla Dziwoki.
Bianca posted a picture to Instagram of the pair on the steps of the Gatwick Hotel.
<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/2018/6/27/block1.jpg" alt="">
There's a hint in the post they may not be the most experienced.
Along with the picture, Chatfield commented "anyone know how to build an apartment???"
Chatfield was a Commonwealth Games gold medallist and Dziwoki previously played for the Melbourne Vixens.
They'll no doubt be looking to replicate the success of last year's Melbourne-based couple Josh and Elyse, who won the show when their Elsternwick house renovation <a href="/news/comedian-dave-hughes-buys-the-block-elsternwick-winner-from-josh-and-elyse">sold to comedian Dave Hughes for over $3 million.</a>
The contestants snap shots:
NSW - Sara and Hayden
Sara and Hayden, newly wed parents, hail from the Shire and are set to bring their Bondi style and love of the beach to the show. 
QLD - Norm and Jess
Norm and Jess represent Queensland in this year's series. The couple will be hoping to utilise Norm's experience as a builder and maintenance man. Jess is the co-host of 91.9 Sea FM's breakfast show BarRat and Jess alongside Adam Barratt.
<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/2018/6/27/jess-eva1.jpg" alt="">
Norm has lent his hand to some renovations in their Maroochydore home.
Jess made Norm <a href="/news/norm-joins-instagram-in-block-2018-countdown-with-jess-eva">get Instagram before the show began.  </a>
SA - Kerrie and Spence
Kerrie and Spence are the oldest contestants of this years show at 49 and 47 and have recently moved to Barossa Valley wine country. They have recent renovation experience 
WA - Hans and Courtney
Hans and Courtney are the WA represnetatives from Perth. They will no doubt be exercising their love of travel in the choice of design. Courtney is a flight attendant. 
The Block‘s executive producer Julian Cress says this year a record 45,000 couples applied to be on the show – doubling the number who applied last year.
 
 
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

The Block 2018 contestants revealed

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Radio presenter Jess Eva and her soon to be husband Norm are the couple representing Queensland in this years season of The Block.
The 14th series will see five couples from across the country renovate St Kilda's former Gatwick Hotel.
Norm, who has experience in building and maintenance in the Alexandra Headland region, has been peer pressured by Jess to get Instagram.
He <a href="https://www.instagram.com/norms_insta/" target="_blank">introduced himself on the social media platform</a> alongside a picture of all of The Block 2018 couples.
"Gday I’m Norm - Me Mrs told me to get one of these accounts cos never had Instagram in me life, so probably going to have to get some help," the 41 year old said.
"Am on the Block this year ... who would’ve thought someone like me on The Block. If it can happen to me it can bloody well happen to anyone. Have a good one."
It looks like Norm might be taking the lead on the decisions due to his experience in building. He runs Jarrod Hogan Building.
He's tidied up the family home too.
Recently Jess posted a picture on Instagram of their back yard swimming pool in their Maroochydore home, with a comment suggesting Norm 'finished the deck.'
The couple have been based at their Maroochydore home since they paid $620,000 in 2016 when they were upgrading in the suburb.
Jess is the breakfast host at 91.9 Sea FM and presents alongside Adam Barratt on their show BarRat and Jess.
The couple have two young children.
Click here to <a href="/news/the-block-2018-contestants-revealed">check out the rest of the teams</a> competing on the hit Channel Nine renovation show.
Photo credit Channel Nine.
 
 
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Scott Cam and Shelley Craft are back on board to co-host, while judges Neale Whitaker, Shaynna Blaze and Darren Palmer have also returned.
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Norm joins Instagram in Block 2018 countdown with Jess Eva

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The Block stars Kyal and Kara Demmrich, who have just welcomed their second child, are seeking tenants for their Central Coast renovation project.
After paying $580,000 four years ago, the couple undertook small scale renovation on the old fibro cottage at Bateau Bay.
There were no structural changes, just a modern facelift.
After ripping out the old tired carpets, there's rustic timber flooring throughout the home that sits on a 640 sqm parcel a stones throw from the beach.
They are again seeking $460 a week through Ray White Bateau Bay agent Kristen Burkett after the last tenant departed
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-bateau+bay-413845155" target="_blank">Bateau Bay home</a> (above and below) was leased at $395 a week before their renovation.
<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/2018/6/27/bat2.jpg" alt="">
The couple are based nearby in a four bedroom home at Toowoon Bay.
Late last year they offloaded their Long Jetty renovation that they had been documenting room by room on their joint Instagram account.
They pocketed $1.59 million, over double the $710,000 they paid just 11 months earlier.
The Central Coast property market is on fire, with house price growth over the past year pegged at over 12 percent.
They announced the birth of their child on the social media platform last month.
Their daughter, Vada Jane, was born on Kara's birthday.
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"Wow! She is here, born at 2:58am this morning, 30th May on Kara’s Birthday," the couple shared on their joint Instagram account, along with the first photos of their newborn.
They had their first child, son Ziya, in 2016.
The couple appeared on The Block: Fans v Faves in 2014 before becoming full-time renovators.
They now have their own segment on Channel Ten's The Living Room.
This article was first published in the Saturday Daily Telegraph.
 
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The Block's Demmrich couple seek tenants at Bateau Bay

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The Block has opened a pop up store opposite the St Kilda location for series 14 at 79 Fitzroy Street.
The shop opened with a party, attended by a host of ex-contestants, including Elyse (below, last year’s winner).
The Fitzroy Street premises will eventually be the Pride Centre where the council have spent $13 million to buy the former Monroe’s Restaurant site with plans to turn it, and the carpark next door, into the Pride Centre, based on San Francisco’s LGBT Community Centre.
The premises previously sold in 1978 at $365,000.
<img src="https://www.theblockshop.com.au/images/blog/The_Blockshop-184.jpg" alt="">
The Block Shop operators are Emma Garland and Sarah Armstrong, the partner of the television show producer, Julian Cress.
The shop launch was filmed as part of this year’s show.
The space had been a restaurant with a disco ball hanging from the ceiling.
The Block Shop Pop Up will service the contestants working across the road at The Gatwick.
It’s also open to the general public.
Having the shop open opposite The Gatwick is helping to regenerate a once tired and run-down stretch of street.
“Lots of neighbours come in, and they are in shock,” the store manager says. “They say, ‘We are so happy you’re around.’
“Hopefully we can give the street a bit of life back - they’ve asked us to stick around for as long as we can, which is nice.”
It’s been set up to service this year’s contestants, providing them with stylish homeware and interior options during filming.
The contestants are under no obligations to use anything in our shop.
Sharing the Block Shop space is Nood Co, the concrete homewares company set up by ex-contestant Matt Di Costa (of ‘Matt and Kim’ fame, The Block Sky High).
His gorgeous concrete sinks were featured in Ronnie and Georgia’s perfect-score guest bathroom last year.
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