Repeat buyers are one of the strongest measures of confidence in any apartment development.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> in Newcastle West, some purchasers are returning to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> after living at the developer's One Apartments. Their decision to purchase again was driven by the quality of life they found after moving into their first GWH home.

Keith Wilton had spent years living in a house in East Maitland before deciding it was time for a change. Apartment living had always been on his radar, but he was selective about what he wanted.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FH_1EzB-1vs?si=XScVlP1ERsTDJoME" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

"I had some boxes I wanted to tick," he says.

Keith points to the open-plan design, generous outdoor areas and considered inclusions as key reasons One Apartments worked for him.

“One of those things was a nice indoor open plan area, but also I wanted a nice outdoor open area that I could entertain on in summer or Christmases or birthdays,” he says.

He also found value in the smaller details, from integrated appliances to shared resident spaces including the pool, cinema and rooftop areas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356818]

After comparing several developments, he chose One Apartments because of GWH's longstanding local reputation and his own experience working with the developer on a commercial project more than a decade earlier.

"I knew that they were local, that the quality of the build was going to be up there. I'd looked at other apartment complexes around and close by, and I just knew that here was a better decision location wise."

Today, Keith says the move has completely changed how he experiences Newcastle.

"I enjoy living in this location because it's more of a lifestyle change. That Newcastle city living where you can walk to restaurants and bars and even beaches and parks and even shopping across the road."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356828]

Beyond the location, he says it's the sense of community that has surprised him most.

"Everyone loves living here because they chose to live here, but everyone looks out for each other. It's a real great community feel here."

For Aimee and Lyle Goodman, the journey started almost by chance.

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The couple happened to be having coffee in Newcastle when they noticed the site where One Apartments was about to begin construction.

"We were aware GWH was planning a development," Aimee says. "We made one phone call and things moved pretty quickly after that."

As busy business owners, they initially thought apartment living would simply reduce the maintenance that came with larger homes. Instead, it fundamentally changed how they spent time together.

"We actually catch up more as a family now," Aimee says.

"We've had homes with big yards and lots of space, but everyone ended up in different rooms. Here we'll have dinner together, the kids can play, and we spend far more quality time together."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356829]

Lyle says their confidence came from GWH's reputation within Newcastle's building industry.

"I know people who've worked across different apartment projects, and whenever GWH came up the feedback was always the same. They're rock solid. They're quality."

That confidence only grew throughout the buying process.

"One of the things that really impressed us with GWH was the whole process, was the communication," Lyle says. "It was consistent, it was regular, there was no problem if we had some weird questions, there was no problems in getting answers."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351104]

Aimee says one moment stood out.

"The project actually finished on time. We realised we needed to hurry up and sell our house because everything was happening exactly when they said it would."

The positive experience at One Apartments ultimately gave all three buyers the confidence to purchase again with GWH, this time at ERA.

Their confidence reflects what many buyers are seeking in today's apartment market. Location remains important, but so too does certainty around delivery, quality and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356822]

ERA builds on those foundations with 280 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two landmark towers in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle West</a>.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>, the project will include more than 2,000 square metres of resident amenities, including a resort-style pool, gym, sauna, private cinema and rooftop entertaining spaces overlooking the harbour and coastline.&nbsp;

The development is also within walking distance of the Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle, Darby Street, the harbour foreshore, restaurants, retail and the city’s beaches, continuing the walkable lifestyle that existing GWH buyers say has transformed how they live.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356826]

For Keith, the appeal remains straightforward.

"You feel at home even before you've moved into your home."

For Aimee, the change is measured in time.

“I just felt like I had more time,” she says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351102]

Construction at ERA is now underway, with more than half of the residences already sold and limited two and three-bedroom apartments remaining in the East Tower release. Priced from $980,000 for two-bedroom residences and $1.46 million for three-bedroom residences, buyers can secure an apartment with a 10 per cent deposit, with premium homes offering ocean views from Level 8 and harbour views from Level 10.

ERA is also backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing protection against structural or waterproofing defects for 10 years after completion. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135096]

Joel Robinson

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

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

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

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

Kooyongkoot wins Gold and Silver at Better Future Melbourne Design Awards

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

The apartment price gap drawing Sydney buyers west

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

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

The Block

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When it comes to property stars, like every year since 2010, The Block returns to our screens next year when they take on their seventh consecutive Melbourne project.
It will be on seedy Fitzroy Street, St Kilda with filming set to start next month.
The infamous 64 room Spanish Mission Gatwick Hotel boarding house cost the biggest outlay yet for the Channel 9 venture, some $10 million.
<a href="/news/the-block-set-for-elsternwick-building-from-scratch-in-2017-series">Elsternwick</a> cost $9.4 million.
According to plans designed by Brenchley Architects, there will be eight St Kilda apartments (below).
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/12/22/gatwick2.jpg" alt="">
The existing roof will be partly demolished, with a new top storey level built to house two rooftop apartments. 
The other six will have three bedrooms. 
The first and second floor apartments will feature “winter garden” style balconies within glass Louvre windows.
The building’s car park will have six car spaces and bicycle parking.  
The top rating renovation series has all but quit Sydney, and never embraced the Gold Coast as long suggested.
They have only done two Sydney series, Vaucluse and Bondi since its return to television in 2010, having filmed its initial two series at Bondi Beach and Manly back in 2003 and 2004.
The producers claim Melbourne councils are easier to work with although there were some 11 infringement notices each at $1586 handed out during Elsternwick renovations.
Their alumni of contestant couples always provide the weekend auction pages with aplenty.
Just last weekend couple Bec and George Douros - who competed in the Sky High series - were weekend buyers in Melbourne's Williamstown and Kyal and Kara Demmrich sold on the NSW Central Coast.
Bec and George paid $1,115,000 for their cottage where there had been $940,000 to $970,000 price guidance through Michael Harvey at Williams Real Estate.
It had sold in 1985 at $73,000.
After the auction, a heavily pregnant Bec posted her joy on Instagram.
Bec spoke of her "excitement of finally buying a home in our dream location after 12 months of looking."
She added they now have two mortgages, two builds and another baby coming next year.
"We will be renting this while we get some designs made up.
"Moving straight into this would have been much easier but no rest for the wicked!" she advised, adding they are officially booked out next year with design seeking clients.
Serial renovators Kyal and Kara Demmrich pocketed $1.59 million when their Long Jetty renovation project went to auction.
The expectant reno duo who starred in the 2014 Fans V Faves series on The Block had paid $710,000 earlier this year before their rebuild.
There were 13 registered bidder fans of the retro-influenced feel of the Palm Springs.
Earlier this year Block originals Gavin Atkins and Warren Sonin, or 'Gav and Waz', bought back into Potts Point.
They have snapped up an $890,000 one bedroom apartment in the Zenith building that was on the market for just eight days.
Their purchase was merely another investment as they remain living on the Sunshine Coast hinterland at Cooroy Mountain.
Dea and Darren Jolly, stars of two series of Channel 9 show, The Block, secured a $1.8 million charming unrenovated Sorrento cottage on Melbourne's pricey Mornington Peninsula coastal playground.
This time last year Blockheads Dan Reilly and Dani Wales secured a $1.3 million sale for the inner-west Seddon period home which was bought by the Griffiths family from Crookwell in country New South Wales.
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firstname1-iYD4UYzvBa

The Block St Kilda set for largest renovation yet in 2018

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Kyal and Kara Demmrich pocketed a very nice $1.59 million when their Long Jetty renovation project went to auction yesterday.
The expectant reno duo who starred in the 2013 Sky High series on The Block - and have since been regulars on The Living Room - had paid $710,000 earlier this year.
Some 1000 locals inspected their unique renovation offering during the four week marketing campaign. There were 13 registered bidders.
With retro-influenced feel of the Palm Springs, the NSW Central Coast home has raked ceilings soaring up to 3.6 metres in living areas which, when combined with skylights, casement windows and oversized stackable glass sliding doors, provided a grand statement and sense of space.
LJ Hooker Bateau Bay agents Penny Hancock and Paul Witney secured the bullish sale of the four bedroom, three bathroom home to Peter Scown. 
The Sydney clearance rate bounced up from a disappointing mid 50s last week on the weekend albeit with a high unreported rate.
This article was first published in The Sunday Telegraph.
 
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Kyal and Kara sell Long Jetty offering

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The Block judge Shaynna Blaze’s Ringwood North family home of 15 years has been sold.
It was listed with price hopes of $1.19 million $1.29 million, and understood to have sold at above the guidance range. 
She raised her family at the <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-ringwood+north-126752098" target="_blank">two-level property</a> in Melbourne's outer east, which has been listed through Fletchers Ringwood agent Robin Waterbury.
<img src="https://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/aaa424b01fb6473f3b7380281c3b6dcc" alt="Black and grey details stand out in a bright environment." width="650" height="366">
The four-bedroom house on 700 square metre features three open-plan living areas, timber floors, new carpets, an updated kitchen and bathrooms, covered outdoor area with gas fireplace and landscaped backyard.
It has been many years since the children moved out.
She now lives in Hawthorn.
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The Block judge Shaynna Blaze sells Ringwood North home

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Kyal and Kara Demmrich, who appeared in the popular renovation show earlier this year, have listed their Long Jetty renovation project that they've been documenting room by room.
They've been keeping a journal on <a href="http://www.kyalandkara.com/journal" target="_blank">www.kyalandkara.com/journal</a>.
The couple have also been updating their progress on a joint Instagram account.
Two days ago accompanying a picture of the front deck and driveway, the reno duo stated that they were nearly finished.
"Wow thank you all so much for your lovely comments on our before/after pic," the post read.
"We’ve had a lot of fun doing this project, HARD work but we’re almost at the finish line #LongjettyReno."
Kyal said he and Kara, who are also regulars on The Living Room, thought the unique, retro-influenced feel of the Palm Springs style was an appropriate fit for Long Jetty.
“Palm Springs is a unique city in that it’s like an oasis in the Californian desert,” he said. “Kara and I love how this unique setting gave birth to these design influences which celebrate the outdoors, cooling colours and well-defined architectural lines.
<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/2017/11/21/KyleKara.jpg" alt="">
“Long Jetty has its own distinct feel and flavour on the Central Coast, and we wanted our home to be like a little oasis within a sought-after neighbourhood.”
The home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-long+jetty-127033446" target="_blank">82 Pacific Street</a> has four bedrooms, three bathrooms and indoor and outdoor living areas.
An intricately hand-laid limestone and cladding façade offer a soothing entry point from which the new owners will be able to ‘switch off’ from the activities of the day. 
Raked ceilings soar up to 3.6 metres in living areas which, when combined with skylights, casement windows and oversized stackable glass sliding doors, provides a grand statement and sense of space.
The master bedroom is separate from the other bedrooms, with ‘his’ and ‘hers’ walk-in robes adjoining the ensuite. 
The gourmet kitchen adjoins the outdoor entertaining area where the Palm Springs influence dominates through sleek pool and breezeway blocks providing privacy from the neighbours.
<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/2017/11/21/Kara.jpg" alt="">
LJ Hooker Bateau Bay agents Paul Witney and Penny Hancock are marketing the home for a December 16 auction.
Long Jetty's median house price has risen over 17 percent in the last 12 months, according to CoreLogic, and 62 percent in the last three years. 
 
 
 
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Former Block stars Kyal and Kara Demmrich list Palm Springs-inspired Central Coast renovation

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A leading Melbourne buyers' agent, Mal James, has demanded Consumer Affairs Victoria provide a report on the conduct of The Block Elsternwick auctions.
His concerns revolve around the pass-in of Ronnie and Georgia’s offering:
<ul>
<li>in law</li>
<li>in fairness</li>
<li>in Frank Valentic’s dudded buyer</li>
<li>in the the message it sends about what’s ok at Victorian auctions going forward.</li>
</ul>
James said he thought the auction did not follow Victorian legislation where the passed-into highest bidder has met the reserve in first-up negotiations.
The house passed in on a $2.6 million bid, $20,000 shy of the reserve. The buyers' agent Frank Valentic made two offers higher than the reserve, but his bids were not accepted.
He or she, by law, buys the property when you meet the reserve, James maintained, noting it did not happen.
James cited the CAV and the government website, adding that the CAV had got caught up in 'the Hollywood' of the televised show.
A Consumer Affairs Victoria inspector monitored the auction.
<a href="https://marketnews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Laws21.jpg"><img src="https://marketnews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Laws21-540x448.jpg" alt="Laws2" width="540" height="448"></a>
<a href="https://marketnews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Laws2.jpg"><img src="https://marketnews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Laws2-597x441.jpg" alt="Laws2" width="597" height="441"></a>
"I am not talking about a minor technical breach here," James said.
"If CAV says this is ok, what sort of chance of fair play does any buyer have at any auction?
"Does nobody care about the buyer of was dudded?"
Television viewers saw Ronnie and Georgia’s home passed into Frank Valentic’s buyer as the highest bidder.
His client’s quick post-auction offer met the reserve.
"So why did he not buy it then and there – why did further negotiations continue?" James asked.
"In fact why did Frank’s buyer not buy it at $2,620,000 – the reserve?
"Why would anyone bid at auction under what we saw on The Block – what protections do we as buyers really have?"
Another buyer, represented by Nicole Jacobs, who it wasn’t passed into, who James suggested didn’t even bid during the auction, bought it.
"Why do we have auction laws and rules? Why are Frank or Nicole not speaking out about this – the rightful buyer (Valentic’s) appears to have been completely dudded and by their silence, they as licensed representatives of buyers, seem to imply this sort of auction behaviour is OK," James claimed.
"Fairness was trampled on, the rightful owner tossed aside, the professional selling agent ignored, the spirit and the laws of Victorian auctions sidelined – I suppose that makes it OK."
Valentic told Fairfax Media that he made two offers — $2,675,000 and $2,725,000 — but both were rejected after the auction. 
The house sold for $2,781,000.
A Consumer Affairs Victoria spokeswoman said the auction process was legally compliant.
"Frank Valentic’s first offer of $2,675,000 technically should have bought the property – yet he didn’t buy it," James noted.
Valentic was resigned to having been outdone by Jacobs.
“We had the money to buy that, we offered more than the reserve price," Valentic told the Herald Sun.
“But that’s The Block auctions. It’s a rollercoaster,” the veteran Block bidder said.
He had been bidding for a young upsizing family with two young children from Malvern East.
White it was "a very disappointing result for our clients" he managed to secure Hannah and Clint’s beautiful house for them for what he believed was the bargain of the auction finale at $2,615,000.
After the auction, Jacobs claimed due process was followed.
“Not unlike most auctions on the street where they pass in, there was a bit of confusion,” she said.
“Clearly I probably should have started bidding a little earlier but I was really waiting, because the other auctions had all stalled, for it to start again.”
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Consumer Affairs Victoria - and buyers' agents - let down bidders in The Block Elsternwick auction outcome

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The Block judge Shaynna Blaze’s Ringwood North family home of 15 years has been listed with price hopes of $1.19 million $1.29 million. 
<div class="story-content">
She raised her family at the <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-ringwood+north-126752098" target="_blank">two-level property</a> in Melbourne's outer east, which has been listed through Fletchers Ringwoo agent Robin Waterbury.
<img src="https://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/aaa424b01fb6473f3b7380281c3b6dcc" alt="Black and grey details stand out in a bright environment." width="650" height="366">
The four-bedroom house on 700sq m features three open-plan living areas, timber floors, new carpets, an updated kitchen and bathrooms, covered outdoor area with gas fireplace and landscaped backyard.
<div class="w650 h366 image media">
<div class="image-wrapper">Offers are due by November 21.</div>
<div class="image-wrapper"> </div>
<div class="image-wrapper">It has been many years since the children moved out.</div>
<div class="image-wrapper">
She now lives in Hawthorn.
</div>
</div>
</div>
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Shaynna Blaze lists Ringwood North home

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The weekend finale of The Block Eslternwick saw comedian Dave Hughes buy the renovated home of celebrity couple and winners on the night, model Elyse Knowles and her boyfriend Josh Barker.
He paid $3.07 million for the home marketed as Regent House, which won Knowles and Barker the top prize, pocketing $547,000 in the process.
Hughes could stand to claim a maximum of nearly $2.4 million in depreciation deductions (below) as a property investor in his tax returns, as he has signalled he intends to rent the well-positioned top seller out.
Property Observer noted pre-auction that the forecast rentals were $2000 plus a week.
Price estimations were conservative by the marketing agents, while ANZ auction tipping website RealAs were way off the mark with their predictions given five days prior.
<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/2017/10/30/Hughesmaximum.jpg" alt="">
The minimum estimation of available depreciation by BMT suggest he will be able to claim around $1.95 million over the property's timeline.
<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/2017/10/30/HughesMinimum.jpg" alt="">
Two years ago the buyers of apartments in The Block: Blocktagon could claim an average of over $1.5 million in depreciation deductions.
The penthouse of Dean and Shay had the highest deductions available, with a minimum of $62,735 claimable in the first year and $1,621,688 claimed over the specified lifetime of the property.
For the buyers of The Block Triple Threat townhouses in 2015, the fully-furnished South Yarra properties with new interiors were able to claim between nearly $40,000 and $55,000 in depreciation benefits in the first year of ownership.
Tim and Anastasia's renovation offered the greatest deductions, with between $44,316 and $54,163 claimable in the first year. In total, their apartment offers a maximum deduction of $1,389,708.
Legislation allows the owners of any income producing property to claim depreciation deductions for the wear and tear of the building structure and the assets contained within.
Win a free depreciation report by signing up to Property Observer. Just <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/freedepreciationreport" target="_blank">click here</a>.
Download a free e-book on the relocating of entire homes.
 
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

What depreciation the comedian Dave Hughes gets on his Block Elsternwick investment buy

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The $3.07 million buyer of Josh Barker and Elyse Knowles’s place on The Block Elsternwick was Dave Hughes, the comedian.
Josh, 28, and Elyse, 24, pocketed a "life-changing" $447,000 over its conservative reserve, plus the $100,000 prize.
They met in Byron Bay - Barker’s hometown — 4.5 years ago and settled in Melbourne together shortly afterwards.
Hughes had attended the prior 2016 Block auction, but without securing any purchase at the Port Melbourne apartment complex.
The Elsternwick house won the series when it sold above its conservative $2.62 million reserve and well above the ANZ's $2,267,000 RealAs price predictor estimate too, that was being touted five days out.
The bidding opened at $2.6 million from the show pony buyers' agent Frank Valentic who again headlined what emerged as a very shallow market of buyer interest across the five relocated house offerings.
Buyers' agent Nicole Jacobs represented three of the buyers.
Twitter went into a silly meltdown queuing whether Hughes could afford the acquisition!
The Hughes' investment purchase reveal came after the first auction offering sold to an unidentified client of buyers' agent Greville Pabst.
“I always thought I would actually need little bit more than that,” Pabst admitted.
Hughes said he "was driving past and I was thinking, "gee it is a good spot, it is a good house, it is a good area." 
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Ba04w94gWVJ/?taken-by=dhughesy" target="_blank">"And now we own it."</a>
“It’s a good street, it’s going to be a great street forever,” said Hughes, who saw the house a few months ago when filming for his KIIS FM radio show.
"We might move in there eventually but we’ll rent it out for a start," he advised.
The comedian was in attendance when the Port Melbourne as The Block apartments went under the hammer last year.
Despite registering to bid for one of the five apartments, Hughes did not raise his number 23 paddle during the televised finale at Port Melbourne.
Picture taken from Dave's Instagram.
<img class="blkBorder img-share b-loaded" src="https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2016/11/14/02/3A59B98500000578-3933182-image-m-34_1479089579409.jpg" alt="Paddle shy: A strange experience which saw the father-of-three buy a house when he passed an auction while walking his dog left him concerned to raise his paddle" width="369" height="380">
The comedian spoke about his exprience to Matt and Meshel on KISS FM the following Monday morning confessing he had previously purchased a house on a whim before.
A few years ago he walked past an auction walking his dog and came home with a house. He said he would not do it again.
The Melbourne-based comedian was last in the property news when he sold his St Kilda family home, just two weeks into the marketing.
The renovated three bedroom Victorian terrace was being offered with $2 million plus hopes by Hughes and his wife, journalist Holly Ife who secured $2,112,000.
It cost $1.8 million in 2007 and before than $1.27 million in 2002. 
Fareham was built 1867 by architect William Allen. 
<div>Allen was builder of the first St Kilda Town Hall on the corner of Grey and Barkly Streets in the 1850s, which was demolished in the 1930s. It is said the terrace, along with neighbouring Figsby include some design elements derived from the early Town Hall: the Roman Doric columns, verandah and internal stairs. </div>
It has been the home of the painter Albert Tucker and his wife Joy Hester. Tucker's painting 'Watcher on a Balcony' shows the unusual iron work. The writer Marcus Clarke also lived there.
The couple had bought another St Kilda home in 2010 for $1.84 million. 
Property Observer previously claimed all five of the Elsternwick properties renovated on this year’s series had conservative price guidance.
The indicative sale prices for all five homes were given as between $2.4 million and $2.64 million.
But the total prize pool of the contestants of $1.22 million was well down on last year’s $2.835 million windfall, and this season marked the first since 2011 that a property offering passed in.
It later sold. The prices achieved fell between $2,615,000 and $3,067,000.
Channel Nine has committed to a 14th season again in their preferred Melbourne location, with work expected to begin soon on the former, infamous Gatwick Hotel on down at heel Fitzroy Street, St Kilda.
Hughes recently quit Channel Nine’s The Footy Show to host his own show Hughesy, We Have A Problem on Channel 10 next year.
A fortnight ago, Hughes revealed that he took a wage cut to give his radio co-host, Kate Langbroek, equal pay.
Hughes and Langbroek are moving to the drive slot on the Hit Network in 2018.
 
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Comedian Dave Hughes buys The Block Elsternwick winner from Josh and Elyse

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The website realAs, which exposes under-quoting among estate agents by predicting auction sales, has lower hopes for The Block's Elsternwick home sales which go to auction this weekend.
RealAs was acquired by ANZ earlier this month. 
It puts the efforts of Jason and Sarah and Clint and Hannah at $2,127,000, well below the $2.4 million to $2.6 million range quoted by the listing agents.
Jason and Sarah's home - see the full home here.
<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/2017/10/24/Block1.jpg" alt="">
Clint and Hannah's home - see the full home here.
<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/2017/10/24/Clint3.jpg" alt=""> 
 
RealAs offers slightly higher hopes for the home of favourites Josh and Elyse, as well as second favourites Ronnie and Georgia's.
Both of their homes have $2,267,000 estimations.
Josh and Elyse's home - see the full home here.
<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/2017/10/24/Josh3.jpg" alt="">
Ronnie and Georgia's home - see the full home here.
<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/2017/10/24/Ronnie3.jpg" alt="">
The only home not with a price guide on the site is the home designed by New South Wales representatives Sticks and Wombat (below). See the full home here.
<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/2017/10/24/Sticks2.jpg" alt="">
 
All the prices are well short of the $3 million tipped auction price first officially mooted in July by Domain, which partners Channel 9 in the marketing of the series.
There was also a $3 million forecast by Domain contributor Marc Pallisco in early August.
The RealAs predictions were snapped five days out of the auction, with amendments possible prior to the auction, although no changes were made by the listing agents to their price guidance.
Click here to see all of the renovations from this year's <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/forward-planning/advice-and-hot-topics/celebrity-property-news" target="_blank">The Block</a>.
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RealAs predicts tough going to get official Block Elsternwick price guidance 

<html><body>
The Block finale will be on our screens this weekend. We take a look at the homes that are listed live on the web.
Heavy favourites Josh and Elyse's home, known as Regent House at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-elsternwick-126576106" target="_blank">46a Regent Street</a>, leads the way with the bookmakers and the judges.
They are one and a half points above second favourites and rivals Ronnie and Georgia.
The five bedroom home's most impressive feature is the outdoor living area and app-controlled spa pool won the back garden week.
<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/Josh2.jpg" alt="" style="font-size: 12.16px;">
The large deck and outdoor area was the work of acclaimed landscape Dave Franklin.
The three car garage has the option of a gym.
Last week the judges said despite the cute cottage type like facade, it didn't match the rear modern extension.
Hockingstuart Caulfield agents Todd Newton and Sophie Laforest are marketing the home.
The couple are selling their remarkably similar Coburg home (below) for November auction.
They are looking at a sale between $1.35 million and $1.45 million for their longer-term project.
<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/Josh%20and%20Elyse%203.jpg" alt="">
 
 
 
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