<p>The new <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/yarraville-green-42-stephen-street-yarraville-vic-3013">Yarraville Green</a> development in Melbourne's inner west is showing that landscaping can be just as influential as architecture, with buyers responding strongly to the garden-first approach adopted from the outset by developer Excelon Projects and the project's design team.</p>

<p>Excelon appointed Six Degrees Architects and landscape architects SBLA to work collaboratively on the development, with a brief to create "a sustainable, design-led building with a focus on community."</p>

<p>That approach has resonated with buyers. According to Next Chapter Director Tom Hirini, who is leading the sales campaign, the landscaped communal garden has become one of the project's defining features, alongside its boutique scale and European-inspired cluster housing concept.</p>

<p>Local downsizers, right-sizers and established families already living in Yarraville and surrounding suburbs have accounted for the majority of purchasers.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=144913 project_image_fid=297740]</p>

<p>Yarraville Green will comprise 53 homes, including apartments and townhomes, arranged around the shared central garden to maximise connections to the landscaped open space. Parking has been moved underground, allowing the ground plane to be dedicated to greenery, pedestrian movement and communal spaces.</p>

<p>The landscape extends well beyond passive planting. Productive garden beds, a pergola, communal gathering spaces, garden sheds and a pet wash have all been integrated into the masterplan, creating spaces designed to encourage everyday interaction between residents.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=144913 project_image_fid=297741]</p>

<p>The interiors continue Excelon's focus on craftsmanship, incorporating bespoke elements by Melbourne artisans including leadlight detailing by Adadaz, hand-turned timber hardware by Auburn Woodturning and blown-glass lighting by Ruth Allen.</p>

<p>Sustainability has also been embedded throughout the project, with Yarraville Green targeting an average 7-star NatHERS energy rating through passive design principles, rooftop solar servicing common areas and rainwater harvesting for landscape irrigation.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=144913 project_image_fid=297735]</p>

<p>Construction continues to progress at Yarraville Green, with structural works well underway and framing works approaching completion under builder Balmain &amp; Co. The project remains on track for completion in mid-2027.</p>

<p>Apartments at Yarraville Green are currently priced from $625,000, while townhomes start from $1.4 million.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=144913]</p>


Joel Robinson

Garden-led design drives buyer demand at Yarraville Green

<p>National diversified developer Fortis has officially launched Crest &amp; Walker, its latest Brisbane apartment development, with construction now underway on the 20-storey Newstead project.</p>

<p>Award-winning builder BINAH has commenced construction on the Bureau^Proberts-designed building, which will deliver a limited collection of 65 two and three-bedroom apartments on Kyabra Street.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373556]</p>

<p>The project marks Fortis' fourth active residential development in Brisbane, following River House, which is nearing completion, alongside projects in New Farm and Hamilton as the national developer continues to expand its South East Queensland pipeline.</p>

<p>Fortis General Manager – Development Queensland Dan Boman said Crest &amp; Walker reflects the developer's long-term commitment to delivering design-led residential projects in Brisbane's established inner-city suburbs.</p>

<p>"We're proud to be strengthening our presence in Brisbane with Crest &amp; Walker, particularly in such a sought-after lifestyle destination as Newstead," Boman said.</p>

<p>"Every Fortis project is shaped by its context, and we approach each one with the respect and care it deserves.</p>

<p>"Our focus is always on creating places that feel connected to their neighbourhood and elevate the everyday experience for residents. Newstead continues to evolve as one of Brisbane's most sought-after urban communities, and Crest &amp; Walker reflects our ambition to contribute meaningfully to that story."</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373559]</p>

<p>Positioned between Gasworks Plaza and James Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crest-walker-newstead-12-kyabra-street-newstead-qld-4006">Crest &amp; Walker</a> has been designed as a boutique residential address offering privacy and generous living spaces within one of Brisbane's most established lifestyle precincts.</p>

<p>The building features a contemporary brick podium softened by integrated landscaping, while the upper levels are characterised by restrained architecture and enduring materiality. Interiors have been designed to maximise natural light, acoustic performance and long-term liveability.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373583]</p>

<p>Residences comprise spacious two and three-bedroom floorplans, with two-bedroom apartments priced from $1.55 million and three-bedroom, half-floor residences from $3.95 million.</p>

<p>Residents will have access to a wellness-focused rooftop featuring a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, landscaped dining spaces and outdoor lounge areas overlooking Newstead and the Brisbane CBD.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373571]</p>

<p>Sales are being managed by Slaite Projects, with Fortis expecting strong demand from owner-occupiers seeking a high-quality, design-focused apartment in one of Brisbane's most tightly held inner-city suburbs.</p>

<p>Completion of Crest &amp; Walker is slated for late 2028.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145922]</p>


Fortis expands Brisbane pipeline with launch of Crest & Walker in Newstead

<p>The enormity of delivering a true skyscraper in Australia's new development market is often overlooked.</p>

<p>It has taken the best part of a decade since plans for Chevron One were first unveiled, but the 41-storey tower is now complete, with residents collecting their keys and moving into what has become one of the Gold Coast's most recognisable new landmarks.</p>

<p>Rising 127 metres above Chevron Island, Chevron One stands almost twice as high as any other building on the island. Its scale places it alongside the trio of towers at Jewel, arguably the last truly significant addition to the central Gold Coast skyline when they were completed around six years ago.</p>

<p>While there are several developments underway around a similar height to Chevron One, they are more concentrated within clusters of the highest towers in the city. The fact Chevron One sits within a developing precinct, looking back at the other high-rise developments in Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, makes it a different proposition altogether. It will certainly become a reference point on the Gold Coast skyline.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=68833]</p>

<p>Developer Bensons Property Group is behind the 41-storey tower, which has 229 apartments, along with an exhaustive list of resident amenity spread across what is the largest development site ever assembled on Chevron Island.</p>

<p>The tower has been the talk of the town for years, says Ray White Projects Gold Coast agent Caitlin Rosenboom, who is selling the remaining apartments.</p>

<p>"People have been watching Chevron One go up for years," Rosenboom says, adding that many prospective buyers have been surprised by the scale of the views once they step inside.</p>

<p>"It's only when they walk through a completed apartment that they truly understand the position of the building," Rosenboom says.</p>

<p>"The views are jaw-dropping. Whether you're looking east over the ocean, across Surfers Paradise, along the river systems or out to the hinterland, every level offers something different but equally impressive."</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=360215]</p>

<p>One of Chevron One's defining advantages is its location on the eastern side of Chevron Island on Stanhill Drive, a position which protects the views forever.</p>

<p>"There's only one row of houses between Chevron One and the water, and the height restrictions along the river means views from Chevron One can never be built out,"&nbsp;Rosenboom says.</p>

<p>While new apartment developments continue to emerge across the Gold Coast, Rosenboom says opportunities to secure a completed apartment with this level of outlook are becoming increasingly rare.</p>

<p>"The size of the site is something that would be incredibly difficult to replicate today," she says.</p>

<p>"That's allowed Chevron One to deliver the sort of amenity, open space and resident facilities that very few projects can offer. There are not many completed apartment buildings on the Gold Coast right now that can compete with the combination of scale, quality and amenity."</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=68839]</p>

<p>There's around 2,000 sqm of amenity solely for the use of residents of Chevron One. Club One features a uniquely shaped swimming pool that mirrors the footprint of the building itself, set within a extensively landscaped gardens. There's also an indoor pool and spa, a fully equipped gym with a Pilates room, a yoga garden, a bookable private dining area and lounge that can host up to 30 people, and a 24-hour concierge service.</p>

<p>As for the buyers, Rosenboom is fielding enquiry from everywhere: Sydneysiders and Melburnians looking at the new and off-the-plan market following the changes in the Federal Budget, as well as those looking to relocate, through to South East Queenslanders seeking either a permanent home or a weekender bolthole.</p>

<p>"The Gold Coast lifestyle continues to resonate with people relocating from the southern states, and when they see the views and the quality of what's been delivered at Chevron One, it becomes very easy for them to understand the appeal," Rosenboom says.</p>

<p>A diverse mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments remain available, with each offering "something a little different", be it the orientation and views, configuration, or level, to suit a wide variety of buyers.</p>

<p>The remaining apartments are ready to inspect in person, by appointment.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6515]</p>


A decade in the making: Residents to move into Chevron One as construction wraps up

<p>A general rule of thumb in new apartment developments is that the penthouses get the rooftop.</p>

<p>It's a formula that's become commonplace across Australia's apartment market. Residents might have access to a pool, gym or barbecue facilities on a dedicated lower level, but the most desirable outdoor spaces are typically reserved for the highest-priced homes at the top of the building.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Property Group</a> has taken the opposite approach.</p>

<p>Rather than dedicating the rooftop to a handful of buyers, the Gold Coast developer has made it the centrepiece of its Flourish collection, creating expansive shared spaces from the best vantage point in the building.</p>

<p>The philosophy has reached its most ambitious expression at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-palm-beach-1150-1160-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a> in Palm Beach, where two rooftop precincts connected by a skybridge will deliver one of the most extensive lifestyle offerings seen in a residential apartment project on the Gold Coast.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374053]</p>

<p>"We're seeing a clear move toward developments that offer more than just an apartment," Sherpa Group founder Christie Leet said.</p>

<p>"People want spaces that support how they actually live, whether that's working from home, staying active, or spending time with family and friends.</p>

<p>"That's where amenity becomes critical. It's not just about what's included, but how those spaces are designed to be used every day."</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374052]</p>

<p>The breadth of amenity has already attracted buyers across multiple demographics. Younger first home buyers have been drawn to Soleira's one-bedroom apartments, a product rarely delivered in Palm Beach, while families have responded to practical inclusions such as the shallow children's pool adjoining the main lap pool and the extensive communal recreation areas.</p>

<p>Instead of a single rooftop, Soleira delivers two distinct lifestyle zones.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=372547]</p>

<p>The southern rooftop has been dedicated to wellness, featuring a gym, yoga and Pilates studio, work-from-home facilities, a wellness centre, spa, and hot and cold plunge pools.</p>

<p>The northern rooftop focuses on recreation and entertaining, incorporating a heated resort-style pool, private dining rooms, pizza ovens, barbecues, a golf simulator, children's recreation areas, and what is expected to be the Gold Coast's first rooftop basketball court, which will also double as a squash court.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374054]</p>

<p>Beyond the rooftops, Soleira will introduce 1,500 sqm of curated retail beneath the towers, creating one of Palm Beach's first genuinely mixed-use lifestyle precincts where cafés, restaurants and convenience retail become part of residents' everyday lives.</p>

<p>Sherpa has also retained management rights across the development, allowing it to oversee the long-term operation of the building through a 24-hour concierge model. The developer is also exploring additional revenue streams within the precinct aimed at helping offset ongoing body corporate costs for residents.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370962]</p>

<p>While Soleira is the largest project Sherpa has delivered, the rooftop-first philosophy has been evolving for several years.</p>

<p>It began with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/amargo-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Amargo</a>, the first project released under the Flourish brand. Rather than competing at the ultra-luxury end of the market with oversized half-floor and full-floor residences, Sherpa focused on creating lifestyle-driven apartments supported by resort-style shared spaces.</p>

<p>Amargo introduced more than 800 sqm of rooftop amenity, combining wellness facilities, heated pools, entertaining areas, cabanas, pizza ovens and private dining spaces into what was designed as an extension of residents' homes rather than a facility used only occasionally.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=146527 project_image_fid=366550]</p>

<p>That approach continued with Flourish Oasis, where the same amenity-led philosophy was refined into a more boutique development. Strong demand from Sherpa's growing VIP database saw much of the project sold before it reached the broader market, reinforcing buyer appetite for apartment communities centred around shared lifestyle experiences.</p>

<p>Flourish Amargo is slated for completion mid-way-through next year, with Oasis to be delivered by late 2027. Flourish Soleira is expected to complete in 2030.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150017]</p>


Sherpa takes amenity to the sky as Flourish Soleira captures booming Palm Beach demand

<p>As apartment living continues to evolve across Sydney's growth corridors, the quality and distribution of shared spaces is increasingly shaping how residents experience home. Rather than functioning as add-ons, amenities are being embedded into the daily rhythm of a building, supporting everything from quiet retreat to social interaction, often within a single vertical community.</p>

<p>At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/aeris-melrose-park-nursery-street-melrose-park-nsw-2114">Aeris</a> in Melrose Park, this approach is resolved through a layered amenity offering that unfolds from ground level through to its upper podium. Developed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sekisui-house-australia">Sekisui House Australia</a> in partnership with Hankyu Hanshin Properties, the project introduces 468 apartments across two towers and a mid-rise building, positioned at the highest point of the broader masterplan.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=359199]</p>

<p>The amenity experience begins at street level, where two courtyards sit within a landscaped setting that connects residents to the wider network of parks and green spaces. These green spaces are not isolated pockets but part of a wider pedestrian network that links Aeris to the surrounding <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melrose-park-nsw-2114">Melrose Park</a> precinct, including Central Park, future schools, and the Town Centre opening in July 2026. The result is a transition that moves from public to private without abrupt boundaries, allowing residents to pass through shaded, tree-lined environments before reaching the building itself.</p>

<p>Moving upward, the focus shifts to the level five podium, where the primary communal facilities are concentrated. This space brings together a 16-metre swimming pool, outdoor seating areas, and a communal BBQ zone arranged to take advantage of elevated outlooks. Seating is positioned beneath pergolas, creating pockets of shade that extend the usability of the space throughout the day. The pool edge aligns with views toward the wider district, reinforcing the sense of elevation that defines the project’s positioning.</p>

<p>In the adjacent building, this is complemented by quieter, more contemplative spaces, including an outdoor cinema set within the same level. Positioned to operate primarily in the evening, it introduces a different tempo to the shared environment, shifting from daytime activity to after-hours use without requiring separate zones.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=360299]</p>

<p>The podium also accommodates an intimate private resident gym. Located on the lower levels, it gives residents convenient access to fitness facilities without leaving the building.</p>

<p>Above, the elevated podium sky deck extends the amenity offering, providing additional open-air spaces with elevated outlooks across the surrounding landscape. While more restrained in program, this upper level reinforces the project’s vertical progression, from ground-level greenery to elevated outlook, allowing residents to move between distinct spatial conditions within a single address.</p>

<p>This distribution of amenities reflects a deliberate response to how residents use space across the day. Sekisui House Australia Sales and Marketing Director Peter Kalaf points to the role these shared areas play in shaping buyer demand. Aeris has been conceived as more than a collection of apartments, with the podium pool, gym and outdoor cinema forming part of a broader lifestyle offering that extends the home beyond each individual residence.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=360300]</p>

<p>What distinguishes Aeris is not the inclusion of these elements individually, but how they are arranged in relation to one another. Active, social, and passive spaces are layered vertically rather than separated, allowing residents to choose between them without leaving the building or moving far from their apartment. This proximity supports both routine use, such as a morning swim or evening workout, and more occasional gatherings, whether around the BBQ area or within the cinema setting.</p>

<p>The amenity design also sits within a broader framework of connectivity across Melrose Park. The Melrose Park Town Centre, anchored by Coles and Dan Murphys, features a mix of retail, dining, health and lifestyle offerings, bringing everyday convenience closer to residents. By the end of the year, more than five hectares of parks and open space, equivalent to around seven football fields of green space on residents' doorstep, will further enhance the precinct, allowing the internal facilities at Aeris to operate as an extension of the wider neighbourhood rather than a substitute for it.</p>

<p>Construction at Aeris continues to gather momentum, with ground floor slabs expected to be completed in late 2026 before the first sections of the buildings begin to rise above ground.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=426]</p>


Elevated amenity anchors daily life at Aeris, Melrose Park

Home Sales

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<p>The future of real estate purchasing has long been forecast as digital.</p>
<p>But conducting home purchase transactions over the internet rather than face to face is still a rare occurrence.</p>
<p>We know over 95% of people use the internet and apps to do their property research but the emergence of <span class="il">online</span> auctions has never been widely embraced.</p>
<p>There are several <span class="il">online</span> platforms these days where buyers can bid on properties rather than turn up to an auction or estate agent's office to sign up the deal. These listings tend to be properties that were likely more suited to private treaty, so they get a fillip via their <span class="il">online</span> auction.</p>
<p>Being less frenetic, the <span>bush also seems to have taken to <span class="il">online</span> price per acre auctions of small farms.</span></p>
<div>Sydney's desired for a showy sale means there have been only the occasional <span class="il">online</span> auction offerings.</div>
<p>Back in 2000 Di Jones Real Estate used pioneering technology to allow the viewing of its auctions live on the internet, but it was without the capacity to accept bidding, in part because of inbuilt time delays.</p>
<p>Within a decade inroom auctions were periodically being run by the industry in parallel with an <span class="il">online</span> auction, opening up to people who could watch and make <span class="il">online</span> bids.</p>
<p>Around five years ago we saw pure <span class="il">online</span>-only property auctions - envisaged as eBay-like portals.</p>
<p>Dubbed as the logical transformative step, it was suggested it all was inevitable part of the <span class="il">online</span> transition in the 21st Century.</p>
<p><span class="il">Online</span> auctions had been a proven success in other sectors – such as clothes, cars and travel. </p>
<p>But it seems we are happy with the routine, structure and transparency of traditional property sales that have been relatively unchanged since the 18th Century.</p>
<p>Despite regulatory advancement, real estate agents - and the buying public - have been reluctant to adopt the innovative technology-enabled solution, preferring the face to face contact.</p>
<p>In 2015 a Lilyfield listing with $1.3 million plus hopes was auctioned <span class="il">online</span>. The three bedroom terrace secured 22 bids over a three day period from three bidders.</p>
<p>The winning bidder paid $1,618,000, well above the reserve price. The vendor was also the founder of an auction <span class="il">online</span> website.</p>
<p>The estate agency has since kept its preference for auctions on a Saturday morning.</p>
<p>There is good reason why Sydney's residential heartland loves their onsite 20 minute, pressure-cooker auctions.</p>
<p>Last month a three-bedroom home on Ocean Road Manly was sold by Clarke and Humel Property for $3.45 million.</p>
<p>There were the nine registered bidders until a dramatic pause when a 10th bidder stepped forward for registration having only inspected the offering minutes before. He was the buyer.</p>
<p>And two weeks earlier - also on Ocean Road - a jogger happened across an auction and successfully bid for the home.</p>
<p>Despite all the technological advancement, and our familiarity with it, I'd suggest the onsite ritual is irreplaceable.</p>
<p>This article first appeared in the Daily Telegraph.</p>
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Why suburban onsite house auctions trump online auctions

<html><body>
<p>Simone Warne-Callahan has listed her Brighton property.</p>
<p>It is a luxury Mediterranean-style house that the cricket legend’s former wife has called home for around three years.</p>
<p>Located on <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-brighton-125200042" target="_blank">Norwood Avenue</a>, the French-inspired house features French oak Driftwood flooring at the entrance that leads to a versatile study or sitting room as well as a relaxed lounge room.</p>
<p>It was bought in 2014 for $2.615 million and has since been renovated.</p>
<p>The living and dining area attracts light which also flows out towards the outdoor and into the vine-draped al fresco dining area with built-in BBQ.</p>
<p> <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/2017/04/20/12%20Norwood%20Avenue-2.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>A remote-controlled garage features an air-conditioned bedroom with a skylit ensuite making it perfect for entertaining people.<br><br> Upstairs is the four bedrooms and three bathrooms that combines style and spaciousness while offering treetop vistas from all angles.</p>
<p>Main bedroom overlooks the pool along with neighbourhood views and bay glimpses. </p>
<p>Nick Johnstone stated that the private sale price for Atun, a five-bedroom, four-bathroom house with formal and informal living rooms, was about $4 million.</p>
<p>The property is offered through Nick Johnstone Real Estate agents Nick Johnstone and Simone Chin.</p>
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firstname1-iYD4UYzvBa

French-inspired Brighton house listed for sale

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<p>Oscar award winning film director Vincent Ward has listed his long held Surry Hills home.</p>
<p>The New Zealand born film director, who won the award for What Dreams Come True starring the late Robin Williams, paid $254,000 for the 1890s terrace back in 1992.</p>
<p>Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-surry+hills-124871402" target="_blank">384 Bourke Street</a>, the three level, five bedroom home has been preserved, rather than renovated, over Ward's 25 year ownership.</p>
<p>Traditional double formal rooms come with marble fireplaces and there's an attic retreat with juliet balcony and rooftop deck.</p>
<p>The home goes to auction March 25 through Brigitte Blackman at Cobden &amp; Hayson Surry Hills.</p>
<p><em>This article first appeared in the Daily Telegraph.</em></p>
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Vincent Ward's Surry Hills home listed on the market

<html><body>
<p>The Melbourne house where 1980s singing actor heart-throb Rick Springfield spent a few formative years (above) sold at weekend auction for $1.13 million.</p>
<p>After competition between four bidders, Springfield’s Parkdale teenage years' home was secured by a young couple who saw the classic <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-parkdale-124558774" target="_blank">clinker brick home</a> for the first time on auction morning.</p>
<p>Buyers Wei Gu and his wife Jiegiong Zhan also only heard the Sydney-born rocker’s No. 1 hit Jessie's Girl for the first time when it was played prior to the auction.</p>
<p>The Hodges Mentone agent Mark Eddy said it was a great result.</p>
<p>"Rick and his brother Michael will be pleased that their mother’s home of many years has sold,” Eddy told the Herald Sun.</p>
<p>Domain Group chief economist Andrew Wilson told Domain the upbeat Melbourne auction market had passed another test, but a record super Saturday of auctions loomed next weekend, further testing the depth of buyer support. </p>
<p>Home sales across the nation ranged from $166,000 to $5.68 million at weekend auctions.</p>
<p>Both sales were in Victoria, with a likely Brighton knockdown selling at $580,000 above reserve (below) at an executor’s auction for $5.68 million. It was a 720 sqm <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-brighton-124543926" target="_blank">St Ninians Road</a> offering.</p>
<p><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/02/20/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-20%20at%2010.13.43%20AM.png" alt=""></p>
<p>The cheapest was a one bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-unit-vic-bacchus+marsh-124468598" target="_blank">Bacchus Marsh</a> (below), 57 kms out of Melbourne, which was sold for $166,000.</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12.16px; line-height: 1.3em;"><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/02/20/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-20%20at%2010.15.56%20AM.png" alt=""></span></p>
<p>It last sold at $101,000 in 2006, reflecting 4.7 percent annual growth for the Grant Street townhouse which was marketed as having an expected rental return of $190 to $210 per week.</p>
<p>A prime parkside home in Sydney's Chatswood (below) fetched $4,955,000, the second dearest result at auctions across Australia over the weekend.</p>
<p><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/02/20/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-20%20at%2010.17.40%20AM.png" alt=""></p>
<p>Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-chatswood-124569382" target="_blank">47 Stanley Street</a>, the property was marketed as "an ideal combination of prime positioning and powerful potential."</p>
<p>The solid five bedroom Federation home on a 925 sq m block was knocked down to an local Chinese owner occupier at about 15 per cent above its reserve.</p>
<p>The combined capital city weekend clearance rate remains in the high 70s, despite mid-February auction volumes reaching the highest level so far this year, according to CoreLogic's auction commentator Kevin Brogan.</p>
<p>The larger volume was driven by a substantial rise across the Sydney and Melbourne markets, while there was a small decrease across the smaller capital cities.</p>
<p>The strongest clearance rates, based on preliminary data, were in Sydney and Canberra, where 83 per cent and 81 per cent of auctions returned a successful result.</p>
<p>Canberra’s preliminary auction clearance rate of 81 percent was consistent with last week, and significantly higher than the 61 per cent recorded last year.</p>
<p>A 2011 Philip Leeson-designed <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.allhomes.com.au/ah/act/sale-residential/50-schlich-street-yarralumla-canberra/1317334380511" target="_blank">Yarralumla house</a> (below) sold for $2.4 million with Peter Blackshaw Manuka agent Mario Sanfrancesco signing up seven registered bidders.</p>
<p><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/02/20/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-20%20at%2010.19.08%20AM.png" alt=""></p>
<p>The Schlich Street block cost $861,000 in 2008.</p>
<p>Melbourne recorded a strong preliminary clearance rate, with 76 per cent of auctions clearing, just below the 77 per cent national average.</p>
<p>The preliminary combined capital city clearance rate was higher on the weekend than the 71 percent in same period last year.</p>
<p>The 2,280 auctions held was slightly lower as 2,347 auctions were held over the same time last year.</p>
<p>Across Melbourne, the 76 per cent clearance rate was up from 75 per cent last week and also higher than the 74 per cent over the same weekend last year.</p>
<p>Melbourne hosted around 1,100 auctions, around double the 556 held last weekend, and around the same seen one year ago.</p>
<p>This weekend in Melbourne, the number of properties for sale is expected to rise to 1400 with Domain's Dr Andrew Wilson suggesting the listings were big for February when auctions were usually only just starting to build up again.</p>
<p>Of the Melbourne sub-regions, the highest clearance rate was recorded across the North East region, with preliminary results showing 85.5 per cent of the 91 auctions were successful.</p>
<p>Sydney’s preliminary clearance rate this week was 83 per cent across 661 auction results.</p>
<p>There were a total of 844 auctions held across the city. Looking back at the same weekend last year, 800 auctions were held across Sydney and a clearance rate of 76 per cent was recorded.</p>
<p>The North Sydney and Hornsby region hosted the most auctions of any Sydney sub-region this week, with 137 properties taken to auction.</p>
<p>"It's another extraordinary result for Sydney," Domain chief economist Dr Andrew Wilson told Domain.</p>
<p>"Next week it could be even bigger with the number of property listings to rise about 30 per cent to 900."</p>
<p>Brisbane’s preliminary clearance rate was 50 per cent, down from 53 per cent last week.</p>
<p>There were 117 Brisbane auctions this week, compared to 131 last week.</p>
<p>Adelaide recorded a clearance rate of 68 per cent across 86 auctions this week, up from 66 per cent across 91 auctions last weekend.</p>
<p>Perth’s clearance rate of 36 per cent across 41 auctions was up from the previous week's 25 per cent.</p>
<p>Perth's highest sale was $2.1 million when a <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-mount+pleasant-124579946" target="_blank">Tudor-style Mount Pleasant riverfront</a> reserve home (below) sold with views of the Mount Henry Bridge on the Canning River.</p>
<p><span> </span></p>
<p><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/02/20/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-20%20at%2010.20.24%20AM.png" alt=""></p>
<p>It was the same price as its 2011 sale at $2.1 million.</p>
<p> </p>
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Rick Springfield's teen home sold at weekend auction

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<div>With <span id="0.5846416397337644">cricket</span> season spicing up our summer, Property Observer took a look at the best backyard <span id="0.864627114398903">cricket </span>pitches across Australia. Some have been sold and some are for sale.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>1. <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-millbank-120954850" target="_blank">31 Diamond Street, Millbank, QLD </a>(pictured above)</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Sitting on 4070 sqm is a beautiful <span id="0.7477409907410946">cricket</span> wicket which encourages the straight-drive with the pull shot not an option with the four man bay shed.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The massive eight bedroom house sold for $440,000 through Hugh McKid of Location Property Agents.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>2. <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-lavington-120939666" target="_blank">3 Abbott Drive, Lavington, NSW</a>
</div>
<div>
<br>Located on a 4,000 square metre block, the low maintenance grounds include a <span id="0.9365826007488334">cricket</span> pitch with rear access <span id="0.865291390582464">and </span>sprinkler system.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The property has been listed for sale at $879,000 by Mark Rosevear <span id="0.8035429697799732">and</span> Clinton Harvey of Wodonga Real Estate.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>3. <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-sorrento-121403258" target="_blank">32 Ashmore Way, Sorrento, WA</a>
</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The property doesn't feature a wicket per se, but there is a long stretch of artificial grass for a bowlers run up <span id="0.23111241483064715">and</span> a small space for defensive shots.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The five bedroom property sold at auction on December 28, 2015 for $1.55 million.  </div>
<div> </div>
<div>4. <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-bowral-120699489" target="_blank">52 Thompson Street, Bowral, NSW</a>
</div>
<div> </div>
<div>This property makes the list simply because Bowral was the birth place of Australian legend Sir Donald Bradman.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The southwest suburb of Sydney homed Bradman who would have relished the prospect of practicing on such a wicket in the 1900's when he was a child.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The property was sold in November 2015 for $495,000 by Lewis Harelle of Ray White.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>5. <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-burbank-120726225" target="_blank">1190 Mt. Cotton Road, Burbank, QLD</a>
</div>
<div> </div>
<div>A full length concrete pitch on the 2.83 hectare land is met by nets so you don't have to continue to fetch the ball when you smash those sixes.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><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/2017/01/03/1190%20Mount%20Cotton%20Road-2.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div>Corrine Guterres sold the property for $1.85 million in October 2015. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>6. <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-mosman-121076214" target="_blank">46 Somerset Street, Mosman, NSW</a>
</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The house lights up the small synthetic grass wicket where you can practice your defensive game with the netting behind making a wicket keeper unnecessary.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The three bedroom home sold for $2.88 million in November 2015 through Bernard Ryan <span id="0.40113145342457823">and</span> Geoff Smith of LJ Hooker.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>7. <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-ivanhoe+east-115259503" target="_blank">27 Beauview Parade, Ivanhoe East, VIC</a>
</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The <span id="0.24167802212927514">cricket</span> wicket, accompanied by a putting green sold at auction for $1.83 million at the end of November 2013.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><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/2017/01/03/27%20Beauview%20Parade.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div>One for the bowlers, there's not much room to bat but some greenery behind the batsman will ensure the ball doesn't end up next door.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>8. <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-chandler-120339449" target="_blank">240 Charleton Street, Chandler, QLD</a>
</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Recently sold, the five bedroom family home has a wicket surrounded by an enclosed netting cage. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>James Curtain<span id="0.6298726376023127">and</span> David Taylor sold the property that traded for $2.185 in 2008 for $1.9 million in August 2016.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>9. <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-mittagong-119914765" target="_blank">129 Bong Bong Road, Mittagong, NSW</a>
</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Environmentalist <span id="0.722907608035047">and</span> musician Peter Garrett's home sold for $2.8 million in April 2016 through listing agent John Renouf of Drew Lindsay Real Estate.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The five bedroom home has a wicket perfect for a batsman to drive all day.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>10. <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-dianella-124048542" target="_blank">24 Ballarat Way Dianella, WA</a>
</div>
<div>
<br>The two storey family house sits on a big 809 square metre block <span id="0.44336702918232085">and</span> has a purpose built <span id="0.5319774684925738">cricket</span> pitch.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The property has been listed for sale at $1.125 million by Mark <span id="0.26233092805553726">and</span> Debra Passmore of Passmore Real Estate. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>However the cricket pitch does not appeared to be photographed.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>11. <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-oxenford-124406430" target="_blank">27 California Drive, Oxenford, QLD</a>
</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The Oxenford home features lawns of just synthetic turf. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Brambling Property Hendra selling agent Ann-Marie Warhurst told The Courier Mail the home was ticking a lot of boxes for families. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>The 1151sq m property is on the market for offers over $650,000.</div>
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Cricket pitches at home - 11 of the best pitches on offer

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<p>A record price for a waterfront property in Cabarita, located on the Parramatta River, has been linked to the development of the WestConnex motorway.</p>
<p>The contemporary double storey, waterfront home, located at 11 Collingwood Avenue was sold at auction by Ross Musso and Dib Chidiac of Raine &amp; Horne Concord for $5.413 million.</p>
<p>It smashed the previous suburb record by $413,000.</p>
<p>“The WestConnex is the largest ever urban transport project in NSW history and buyers are recognising that the infrastructure improvements will halve travel times to the Sydney CBD,” says Mr Chidiac.</p>
<p>The M4 Widening project involves converting the three lane M4 motorway from Parramatta to North Strathfield to four lanes. The M4 will be extended from Concord Road, North Strathfield to the City West Link at Haberfield via a 5.5km tunnel that will have three lanes in each direction under Parramatta Road (‘M4 East’).</p>
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Agents suggest WestConnex helps smash Cabarita waterfront record

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<p>Capital city transaction levels have continued to trend lower according to CoreLogic's latest Economic and Housing update.</p>
<p>According to CoreLogic the slide began after 2013 from a peak of around 35,000 sales and continues downward.</p>
<p><a href="/images/2016/08/17/400_logic.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<p><img src="/images/2016/08/17/400_logic.jpg" alt=""></p>
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Capital city transaction numbers trend lower: CoreLogic

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<p>GUEST OBSERVER</p>
<p>New home sales declined by 4.4 percent in May after falling by 4.7 percent in April. The decline reflected a fall in detached house sales (-6.7 percent) but sales of ‘multi-units’ rebounded (+4.9 percent).</p>
<p>The new home sales data is important for housing-dependent companies such as builders, developers and retailers.</p>
<p>What does it all mean?</p>
The latest weakness in new home sales resonates with all the other data on the housing sector - in particular the data on home loans, which has been decidedly more mixed in the past few months. It is clear that housing activity is consolidating with potential home buyers being more circumspect on purchases – a result which is encouraging, as it should ensure a much more sustainable housing market.</div>
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<br>Interestingly the data is for May and would not fully factor in the surprise decision by the Reserve Bank to cut the cash rate, and the subsequent decision by the banks to pass it on to mortgage rates. It is likely that the rate cut and the speculation of low interest rates over the medium term will support demand for property.</div>
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<div class="column">Importantly the pipeline of new home building remains solid and should support an array of sectors and broad- based activity. The latest data doesn’t have a great influence on the next interest rate decision. The Reserve Bank is determining whether lower-inflation Australia can justify having an interest rate structure closer to those in other major advanced economies.</div>
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<div class="column"><a href="/images/2016/06/29/Screen%20Shot%202016-06-29%20at%202.23.06%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div class="column"><img src="/images/2016/06/29/Screen%20Shot%202016-06-29%20at%202.23.06%20PM.png" alt=""></div>
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<div class="column">What do the figures show?</div>
<div class="column"> </div>
<div class="column">New home sales</div>
<div class="column">Total seasonally-adjusted new home sales declined by 4.4 percent in May 2016 after sliding by 4.7 percent in April. The decline in total sales was reflected in a decline detached house sales (-6.7 percent) but sales of ‘multi- units’ rebounded (+4.9 percent).<br><p>The Housing Industry Association reported: “In the month of May 2016 detached house sales declined in three of the five mainland states: New South Wales (-11.5 percent); Victoria (-8.2 percent); and Queensland (-11.0 percent). Detached house sales increased in South Australia (+3.8 percent) and in Western Australia (+5.4 percent).”</p>
<p>What is the importance of the economic data?</p>
<p><span></span><span>The </span><span>Housing Industry Association </span><span>releases data on the </span><span>sales of new homes </span><span>each month. The HIA collects the data each month from a sample of Australia's largest 100 home builders. </span></p>
<p><span>The survey covers around 14 percent of the home building industry.</span></p>
<p><span><em>Savanth Sebastian is an economist for <a href="https://www.commsec.com.au/" target="_blank">CommSec</a></em></span></p>
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Back to back declines in new home sales: CommSec's Savanth Sebastian

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<p>With elections looming and negative gearing a big issue, predictions abound of a dip in home sales. So, what could we expect in the short term?</p>
<p>According to CoreLogic RP Data research analyst Cameron Kusher, market activity had slowed in 2016 relative to 2015.</p>
<p>"With housing looming as a large election issue given the proposed negative gearing changes from Labor I would expect things to be a little quieter in the lead-up to the election than they otherwise would have been," says Kusher.</p>
<p>"Interestingly, if Labor are elected you may find a surge in activity (whether that be buying or selling) post-election as owners look to beat out the negative gearing changes coming into effect in mid-2017. Of course any further changes to interest rates over the year could also have an impact."</p>
<p>On whether the proposed changes to negative gearing may make it difficult to sell investment properties and have other possible flow-on effects, Kusher had this suggestion for investors.</p>
<p>"Firstly they should make note of the election result. If the changes were to occur we would expect to see some jostling by investors to sell true investment-grade stock prior to the changes. As you note, the proposed changes are likely to be damaging to the resale value of true investment-grade housing stock."</p>
<p>He also dismissed suggestions that the changes to negative gearing could cause a recession.</p>
<p>"I don’t think a recession is likely from changes to negative gearing."</p>
<p>"The truth is no one really knows the impact until if or when the changes are made. Remember that at the end of 2013-14 only 9.7% of taxpayers were negatively geared so it is unlikely that impacting on such a small proportion of the population could cause a recession.</p>
<p>Kusher said the true impact was difficult to gauge till changes actually occur, but some "educated guesses" might be made:</p>
<ul>
<li>Before the changes a proportion of people will look to sell true investment grade stock prior to changes, conversely, some may also look to buy this stock if they have a plan to hold for the long-term</li>
<li>Post changes, investment grade stock will be less appealing to investors because NG is not available so it will impact on this product’s resale value</li>
<li>While the proposed changes look to funnel demand to new investment, remember new housing is often more expensive than existing so there is no guarantee that it would be a successful policy</li>
<li>Over time, we may see rental shortages appear due to less investment or in certain geographic areas where little new development takes place.</li>
</ul>
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Negative gearing changes won't cause recession: CoreLogic RP Data's Cameron Kusher

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<p>New home sales fell a more-than-expected 5.3 per cent in February 2016, according to a survey of Australia’s largest volume builders, says the latest report by the Housing Industry Association. </p>
<p>“This latest result is a larger than desirable fall,” said HIA chief economist Dr Harley Dale. “HIA New Home Sales are losing some of their lustre as a downward trend becomes more firmly entrenched.”</p>
<p>“While the monthly result is a soft one, there is no need to loudly ring alarm bells as often seems to automatically occur every time an economic update disappoints,” noted Dale in the New Home Sales Report.</p>
<p>Seasonally adjusted detached house sales fell by 3.9 per cent in February 2016, while the sale of ‘multi-units’ dropped by a sharper 10.6 per cent.</p>
<p>“New home sales are down, but far from out. Over the three months to February 2016, the sale of detached houses increased by 1.8 per cent. The sale of multi-units nudged up by 0.8 per cent over the same period.”</p>
<p>“What we need to keep a watchful eye on are the signals that will shortly begin to emerge for 2016/17 from key leading housing indicators like new home sales and building approvals,” concluded Dale. “Stage one of a down cycle in new home building will be moderate, but signs of a sharper contraction in subsequent stages may emerge as the year progresses.”</p>
<p>In February, detached house sales increased in by 1.7 per cent in Victoria and by 1.8 per cent in Western Australia though they fell by 7.4 per cent in New South Wales, by 12.1 per cent in Queensland, and 3.5 per cent in South Australia.</p>
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