Perth’s new apartment market recorded its strongest quarter of sales since Q4 2021, with 412 apartments sold in Q1 2026 and a record quarterly sold value of $537 million, according to Urbis’ latest Apartment Essentials results.

Urbis said the March quarter result reflects strong, highly product‑specific demand across both ends of the market, from more attainable projects delivering at scale, through to premium stock being absorbed by equity‑rich downsizers.&nbsp;

David Cresp, Partner at Urbis, said the key story in Perth is not demand, it is the market’s ability to convert demand into delivered housing.&nbsp;

“This is the strongest sales quarter since Q4 2021, and it reinforces that demand in Perth is real and it’s local,” David Cresp said. “But the task now is delivery, turning that demand into projects that can actually be built and completed.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110291 project_image_fid=302785]

<h2>Affordable product leads, premium demand remains resilient</h2>

Sales in Q1 were led by more affordable projects, with The Boulevard (SKS Group) recording 115 sales in the quarter, the presentation noting this is only the second time a single project has surpassed 100 quarterly sales. The project was able to offer more affordable housing product right next to a train station.&nbsp;

Palmyra West (Finbar) also delivered strong results with 28 sales in Q1, following 84 sales in Q4, with an average price of under $800,000, underscoring depth of demand for well‑located, attainable new stock.&nbsp;

At the premium end, Urbis said downsizer demand is continuing, with the results highlighting Romeo (Applecross, Finbar) recording 75 sales and reaching almost 50% sold in one quarter.

Jual (Shenton Park, Celsius Property) also posted a strong quarter with 28 sales, reaching 39% sold in one quarter.

Urbis noted that Perth apartment demand is not speculative, not investor‑led, and not uniform, describing it as localised, often equity‑driven and highly product‑specific, a pattern reflected in the polarisation between strong “attainable” performers and premium downsizer product.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=148957 project_image_fid=364102]

<h2>Prices underpinned by costs, and the delivery risk is growing</h2>

Urbis said pricing pressure is cost not demand‑driven: construction costs and delivery risk are now a central constraint, with the results noting build costs remain elevated and volatile, and that energy, fuel and labour uncertainty weigh on feasibility.

David Cresp said a growing challenge for private Build‑to‑Sell developers is simply securing a builder in the current environment.

“Developers are really feeling the pressure from a building market that was operating at capacity and securing a builder is challenging,” David Cresp said, adding that even where a builder can be secured, “trying to get to the price that makes the development financially viable is incredibly challenging in the current market.”&nbsp;

Urbis’ broader WA commentary also notes that industry remains at or above capacity with lot and housing creation, and that many builders are limiting new sales to manage stretched workforces and fixed‑price contract pressures, conditions that flow directly into apartment feasibility and delivery timing.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108869 project_image_fid=317905]

<h2>Supply: improving later, but still constrained, and Perth lags eastern benchmarks</h2>

While near‑term supply remains constrained, Urbis’ forecast shows completions lifting “Supply is forecast to be back above 1,500 apartments per annum for the first time since 2019”, with 1,775 completions forecast for 2026, and volumes remaining above that level over the following years.&nbsp;

Looking further ahead, completions are forecast to reach 2,500 in 2028, with the report noting 32% of that total is social/affordable, reflecting the role of government‑supported delivery in rebuilding the pipeline.&nbsp;

However, Urbis said Perth remains behind comparable markets on pipeline scale. In a national comparison of projects under construction, the report shows under construction Perth Build‑to‑Sell (BTS) at 3,446 apartments versus the Gold Coast at 7,922. Mr Cresp said “The challenge for Perth is how to we grow the delivery pipeline”.

Urbis’ conclusion is that Perth’s market is increasingly defined by product discipline and delivery certainty, with the research identifying “delivery certainty is key” and calling out builder risk and procurement models as core success factors, alongside “timing and staging”.&nbsp;

Joel Robinson

Perth apartment sales hit strongest pace since late 2021 as builder capacity tightens

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sammut-developments">Sammut Group</a> has secured development approval for its latest Brisbane apartment project, marking the Sydney developer’s next step in expanding its Queensland pipeline following the success of its debut Gold Coast development, Coast.

The approved project at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/44-glen-road-toowong-qld-4066">44 Glen Road, </a><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/toowong-qld-4066">Toowong</a> will deliver a 15-storey riverfront apartment building with 42 residences, significantly increasing the scale of the site’s previous approval for a smaller luxury scheme. Designed by Bureau^proberts, the development will comprise a mix of predominantly four-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments positioned to maximise Brisbane River and city views.

Sammut Director Julian Sammut said the group had been actively searching Brisbane for several years before identifying Toowong as the right fit.

“Brisbane was the right step for Sammut,” Sammut said.

“With the success of Coast we thought we should definitely look to do more in Queensland alone. We then pushed up to look at Brisbane. We've been looking for I'd say two to three years actually and it was hard to find the right location.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.14%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=dYAVIL7qdcGA8ojvkslSrLjczXFejSSx" />

Sammut said suburbs including New Farm and Teneriffe were considered before the group ultimately focused on Toowong due to its strong downsizer demographic and limited supply of developable riverfront land.

The site was acquired off-market after what Sammut described as a lengthy negotiation and planning process, with the developer pursuing an uplift to the original approval.

“We are DA approved now which is very exciting,” Sammut said.

“We've had our change approval come through and we've obviously doubled the height, 15 storeys plus rooftop. We've got 42 amazing apartments that are going to be coming to market soon.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ohkRkY0dIZlqdfME2EZePsCQavRiBadE" />

Bureau^proberts said the design responds to Toowong’s evolving urban character, balancing contemporary apartment living with the area’s established residential identity.

“A place where traditional Queensland living has taken place for centuries; Toowong is seeing a shift of contemporary influence, commercial and retail hubs mixed with well-considered residential offerings – all the while maintaining its character and charm,” the architect noted in planning documents submitted to Brisbane City Council.

The architecture practice said the project’s form was shaped by its riverfront setting, flood considerations, neighbouring building scales, and view corridors.

“They said the mix of four and two-bedroom apartments capture the ‘fundamental qualities of Queenslander living,’ translated into the context of a contemporary subtropical building.”

The development sits just off Coronation Drive within walking distance of Toowong’s retail precinct and the upgraded Regatta ferry terminal, while also benefiting from proximity to the incoming green bridge connection to West End. Sammut said the accessibility and amenity offering were central to the site’s appeal.

The approval adds to growing residential activity along the Toowong riverfront, joining nearby projects including Consolidated Properties’ Monarch Residences and Spyre Group’s ARC Residences.

Sammut secures approval for debut Brisbane apartment development in Toowong

Developer Lanevick is heading back into Sydney’s apartment market after focusing more heavily on the luxury townhouse and terrace sector in recent years.

Lanevick, founded and directed by Steve Maroun, is expecting to receive approval in the coming months for a new apartment development in Gladesville, with the aim to launch it to the market later this year.

The 51-apartment project, designed by Studio Johnston, will comprise a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments positioned toward the Hunters Hill downsizer market.

“Traditionally it’s been difficult for people in that market to downsize because there just hasn’t been the right product available,” Maroun said.

“We’re targeting buyers who might have 30 to 40 per cent of their house value sitting in the bank after downsizing.

“They still want good spacious entertaining areas, they still want quality design, but they also want flexibility and the ability to enjoy life a bit more after working hard for a long time.”

The project sits near Boronia Park and within close proximity to the Parramatta River foreshore, an area Maroun says offers more of a Hunters Hill lifestyle than a traditional apartment precinct.

“From a lifestyle perspective, it’s really more Hunters Hill than Gladesville,” Maroun said. “You’re close to the foreshore, close to parklands, and still connected back into the village precinct.”

From level four and above, apartments will capture water views&nbsp;toward Sydney Harbour. Communal amenity will include rooftop entertaining areas, wellness spaces, and a gym tailored toward owner-occupier buyers.

“We’ve really designed these apartments around that buyer coming from the Hunters Hill LGA and what they’re actually looking for in their next chapter.”

The proposed development has also been designed to respond to the changing character of the broader Gladesville town centre, where a growing number of mixed-use and residential proposals are expected to emerge over the coming years.

“Gladesville presented a rare opportunity to deliver a genuinely design-led residential project within an evolving lifestyle precinct, just moments from the growing Gladesville town centre, and we’ve approached the project with a strong focus on architecture, liveability and long-term community value,” Maroun said.

Maroun said Lanevick saw a first-mover advantage within the precinct as planning controls continue to evolve to accommodate greater housing density.

“We think there’s a real opportunity there that hasn’t really been serviced properly yet,” he said.

“There’s going to be a broader evolution of the whole Gladesville village precinct over time, particularly with more activation and mixed-use outcomes.”

The Venus Street proposal will include a commercial and retail component at ground level designed to contribute to that evolving streetscape activation.

“A big part of the thinking was how do you activate that area properly and create more vibrancy and amenity, which is what Hunters Hill has been looking for,” Maroun said.

Lanevick’s focus since 2020 has largely been on smaller-scale luxury townhouse and terrace developments. The developer recently completed Royale Randwick, also designed by Studio Johnston, where prices reached $3.65 million. The project was featured in the UDIA NSW 2026 Professional Development Prospectus and was also named a finalist for Development of the Year.

&nbsp;

Lanevick to cater for Hunters Hill downsizers with new Gladesville apartment development

Property developer One Living, backed by former Macquarie banker turned investment manager Chris Green’s investment firm, has unveiled plans to bring more institutional capital into housing to help address the national supply crisis.

The New York-based investor has focused his firm, GreenPoint Partners, on addressing the supply shortage hitting middle market housing in Australia.

It is backing the new One Living business to develop more than 1000 units along the eastern seaboard. The new firm is starting with a development on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, with around 140 apartments planned. They are eyeing off more sites across the city.

With cost pressures rising in the industry, One Living’s model is to be a vertically integrated developer-builder, so it can respond directly to the housing gap by removing the cost inefficiencies embedded in traditional residential delivery.

“We are building a platform designed to operate at scale and starting in a market where there’s a clear need for quality, attainable housing,” One Living joint managing director Joseph Scuderi said.

“It’s that missing middle – it’s that attainable end of housing… that’s what most Australians invest into and what Australians can actually afford.”

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="798dfa93-4941-4db6-a696-31e9dc18e81c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.31.50%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=mKBqi5C_DmeiXS.AtJkcR8LQIxqCqmFi" />

GreenPoint Partners brings years of experience assembling and scaling real estate operating businesses across major markets. And Green sees a big opportunity in Australia.

“For its size, sophistication and importance to the community, Australia’s living sector has remained largely under-institutionalised, which represents significant opportunity,” Green said. “GreenPoint identified that gap, assembled the right team, and is backing One Living to build a platform that is aligned to market needs.”

Green said being a builder-developer would give the company the capacity and flexibility it required to deliver reasonably-priced homes.

“We want it to be at that attainable level; not super high end luxury but at that attainable level,” he said.

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="74a5344a-4b26-4d4a-ada3-056b1220be77" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.32.15%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=vY8hXHO4reBMdO8ZXMWCNtGZJofUPQ3j" />

&nbsp;

One Living will undertake a component of affordable housing in its schemes, which it will own and operate, and it could also run build-to-rent on some sites.

Green praised local policy settings.

“The NSW government is being very supportive, strategic and pragmatic in terms of how do we generate more supply of housing,” he said. “We think it’s actually positive for development and the bit that’s been lacking at that attainable level is that it’s lots of relatively small private developers, whereas we want to create an institutional platform.”

One Living is also&nbsp;looking at high-density projects and could take on more institutional funding in the future.

“The way we will be able to achieve economies of scale is through size,” Green added.

One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition

It's been several years since there's been an opportunity to buy a brand new townhome in Melbourne's coastal suburb of Mordialloc. Even apartment developments in recent times have been few and far between in the area.

Local developer LDS Property identified the gap in new housing, securing a site on White Street, directly opposite&nbsp;Woodlands Golf Club Mordialloc. They've recently launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/wm-residences-mordialloc-102-white-street-mordialloc-vic-3195">WM Residences</a>, just 13 townhouses which they have already started building.

Projects by Buxton Director Heath Thompson, who is selling WM Residences, says the townhouses x that perfect middle ground be

"Mordialloc residents have had limited options to downsize within the suburb, often forcing them to look elsewhere despite long-standing ties to the area," Thompson says.

"With very little comparable new supply coming to market, projects like WM Residences are well placed, particularly as buyers look to capitalise on current conditions amid constrained supply."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6109]

The development, designed by regarded architecture firm&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ewert-leaf">Ewert Leaf</a>,&nbsp;adopts a deliberately restrained architectural approach, focusing on simplicity, durability and liveability rather than overt design gestures.

The boutique scale is central to the offering. With only 13 three-bedroom residences, each home is configured to prioritise functional layouts and everyday use, supported by private terraces and secure two-car garages.

Ewert Leaf’s design response leans into a calm, neutral material palette. Interiors are defined by oak flooring, white walls and soft finishes, creating a consistent and understated backdrop. The approach avoids trend-driven detailing in favour of longevity, with an emphasis on natural light and spatial clarity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6110]

Beyond aesthetics, the homes are designed to meet contemporary performance expectations. Each residence targets a minimum 6-star energy rating, incorporating double glazing, comprehensive insulation and all-electric Bosch appliances.

The project’s location supports a walkable coastal lifestyle, sitting within close proximity to Mordialloc’s foreshore, Main Street retail strip and the train station. Local cafés and dining venues, including Suburbia Deli and Hendriks Café, are within a short walk, reinforcing the area’s established neighbourhood character.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6116]

While <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/mordialloc-vic-3195">Mordialloc</a> is often defined by its beach and pier, the project taps into other areas of day to day living, offering easy access to local food, casual dining and transport, rather than positioning itself purely as a lifestyle retreat.

WM Residences reflects a continued trend across Melbourne’s coastal suburbs towards smaller-scale, design-led townhouse developments, particularly on infill sites where proximity to amenity is already established.

With construction commenced prior to its market entry, the project aligns with a growing preference among buyers for developments with visible progress and defined delivery timeframes.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134646]

WM Residences fills gap in Mordialloc townhouse market

House Rules

<html><body>
Reality TV renovators Joe and Fil sold their Maribyrnong house which was transformed on the Channel 7 show, House Rules.
Listed so they can move on to their next project, the pair had added a fourth bedroom and third bathroom to <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-maribyrnong-125216890" target="_blank">the house at 12 Grandview Avenue</a>.
Rendina Real Estate, Kensington agent Richard Rending told The Herald Sun prior to auction the buyer interest had been in the vicinity of $1.3 million.
The House Rules contestants Joe and Fil sold for $1.27 million after it was passed in at $1.11 million.
Rendina Real Estate, Kensington agent Richard Rendina recently said buyer interest had been in the vicinity of $1.3 million. The Tootgarook house of House Rules contestants Claire and Hagan passed in at recent auction for $580,000.
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

House Rules sale in Maribyrnong

<html><body>
Reality TV renovators Joe and Fil are selling their Maribyrnong house.
It was transformed on the Channel 7 show, House Rules.
It has been listed so they can move on to their next project.
After the show wrapped, the pair also added a fourth bedroom and third bathroom to the house at 12 Grandview Avenue.
It is scheduled to be auctioned on May 13.
Rendina Real Estate, Kensington agent Richard Rendina said buyer interest had been in the vicinity of $1.3 million.
 
</body></html>

House Rules' Joe and Fil list their Maribyrnong home

<html><body><div class="page" title="Page 3">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Victoria couple Claire and Hagan have the smallest house in the Channel 7 House Rules history on the Mornington Peninsular.
They have a mortgage of $269,000 on the one-bedroom home described as a "shoe-box" by the owner.
Claire and Hagan have been engaged for two years and renovated the front of an old shop three years ago for a salon for hairdresser Claire. 
“I’ve worked really hard to build up my business and we spent all of our savings renovating the salon,” she says.
With the help of some mate, Hagan did all of the renovation which took about four months.
“We love what we have done to it, but we haven’t done anything to the actual house,” Hagan said.
<img src="/images/2016/06/09/Screen%20Shot%202016-06-09%20at%2012.38.47%20PM.png" alt="">
 
The couple have no money to spend on the rest of the house they share with their two daughters, Matilda, four, and Darcy, two.
They all share the same window-less bedroom along with their Great Dane Cleo, while Claire’s mum spends a couple of nights a week on the couch to help babysit while they’re at work.
“We have five rooms in one,” explains Claire.
“Our lounge room, dining, rumpus, kitchen and laundry.
"We really need extra room for the girls.”
Hagan said that he worries about their future.
“We’re saving and saving and we still haven’t saved enough to renovate.
"It’s breaking us really.”
While Claire admits she loves that their home is “weird”, she isn’t such a fan of the mould.
"It got a bit mouldy last winter and I was starting to worry we were going to get sick from it.” 
<img src="/images/2016/06/09/rules.jpg" alt="">
</div>
<div class="column">
The first couple on 2016's House Rules were Fil and Joe, who have a 1950's weatherboard house in Melbourne.
The second house transformed on air on this seasons House Rules was South Australian parents Michelle and Brooke.
The third house renovated on this year's House Rules series was Team NSW Nancy and Daniel, who's rundown 60's house lies halfway between their parent's homes.
The fourth house reveal on this year's Channel 7 House Rules series was Luke and brother Cody, the former owning a country cottage in Queensland.
Their appearance on House Rules is the longest period of time Australian Navy logistics officer Rob and his wife Rose have spent together in the last five years.
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div></body></html>

Claire and Hagan have smallest home in House Rules history

<html><body><div class="page" title="Page 4">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
The House Rules show on Channel 7 will be the longest period of time Australian Navy logistics officer Rob and his wife Rose have spent together in the last five years.
They have been married for eight years and the opportunity to renovate six houses across the country is like a second honeymoon.
Rob was away at sea when Rose found the perfect house in Western Australia after a three-week search, which has a $329,000 mortgage.
<img src="/images/2016/06/09/700_rules2.jpg" alt="">
Mum of three Rose said it was the backyard that she loved which made her buy the home.
“I think seeing the kids running around the backyard is what decided it for me.
"It had big springy buffalo turf on it and a fair amount of dandelions as well,” says Rose.
Rob doesn't want their renovation to effect the precious backyard either
“If they built a 10-foot decking in the backyard I would be mortified.
"The backyard is a really good size but to do that would just shrink it.”
Their renovating experience is a bathroom design in a former two-bedroom apartment they owned in Sydney. 
“I think we worked really well and we agreed on a lot more things than we thought we would which was nice,” says Rose.
The couple were the first couple to be eliminated on this years show.
Despite being upset, Rose said that they still feel like winners having their own home renovated.
"This is the only competition you enter where even the loser wins."
<img src="/images/2016/06/09/rules.jpg" alt="">
The first couple on 2016's House Rules were Fil and Joe, who have a 1950's weatherboard house in Melbourne.
The second house transformed on air on this seasons House Rules was South Australian parents Michelle and Brooke.
The third house renovated on this year's House Rules series was Team NSW Nancy and Daniel, who's rundown 60's house lies halfway between their parent's homes.
The fourth house reveal on this year's Channel 7 House Rules series was Luke and brother Cody, the former owning a country cottage in Queensland.
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div></body></html>

Australian Navy officer Rob treating House Rules like a second honeymoon

<html><body><div class="page" title="Page 5">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
The fourth house reveal on this year's Channel 7 House Rules series was Luke and brother Cody, the former owning a country cottage in Queensland.
The youngest home owner on the competition has a relatively small mortgage on his property, just $120,000.
Luke is helped by twin brother Cody, who signed up to help him transform his rundown 1940's shack.
“Realistically this is a once in a lifetime opportunity, so saying no to him would just be cruel," Cody said.
"Plus I’m living in the house now so it’s a beneft to have it done up!”
Luke bought his house two years ago after saving hard while doing his electrical apprenticeship. He is now a qualified electrician.
“It was a very run down house but I saw potential in it,” he explains. 
“I was renting for a year or two and it was dead money so I was wanting to see my money go towards something good.”
Cody moved in after finishing his diesel fitter apprenticeship at Toowoomba 12 months ago. 
“There was no point me renting in Toowoomba as it cost a fortune and I was never there and whenever I was home I was mostly at Luke’s place anyway so I just moved in.” 
The boys did make a DIY start on renovations but the ensuite only got as far as the framework and the kitchen and laundry are in dire need of a makeover.
</div>
<div class="column">
Cody’s biggest concern with the house is its lack of insulation, suggesting it's 'bloody cold' in winter and smoking hot in the summer.
“There are holes in-between the floorboards where the breeze will come up through.” 
While their dad is a builder, both boys admit renovating is still a big learning curve for them. 
“The design and the prettiness we struggle with,” says Cody.
“We both want to get in and do the physical side, but I bet he’ll pull the older brother card and I’ll be sent shopping.” 
Coming up with the House Rules for Luke’s place was also a bit of a struggle for the boys. 
“From looking at photos we like the style of modern country but we don’t really know what it is!” says Cody.
<img src="/images/2016/06/06/Screen%20Shot%202016-06-06%20at%2011.09.00%20AM.png" alt="">
 
“We don’t want to strip it right back to a bare shell of a house and make it look like new, we want to keep that country feel. We like that original style house,” adds Luke.
The two currently sit top of the competition.
The first couple on 2016's House Rules were Fil and Joe, who have a 1950's weatherboard house in Melbourne.
The second house transformed on air on this seasons House Rules was South Australian parents Michelle and Brooke.
The third house renovated on this year's House Rules series was Team NSW Nancy and Daniel, who's rundown 60's house lies halfway between their parent's homes.
<img src="/images/2016/06/06/rules.jpg" alt="">
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div></body></html>

Luke and Cody top as fourth House Rules property 

<html><body>
The second house transformed on air on this seasons House Rules was South Australian parents Michelle and Brooke.
The Adelaide parents have a 1920's Californian bungalow with a mortgage of $426,000, their prize should they win the Channel 7 competition.
Michelle and Brooke were ecstatic to have bought a house in their dream suburb.
“We love the area; we love the people," Brooke said.
"It’s a great little community especially for Michelle as it’s very arty.
"We are so close to the city, the trams, the beach, close to everything.
Brooke, 43, is a landscaper and ex-footballer who spent a year on the Adelaide Crows books and notched up 165 games in the SANFL for West Adelaide and Glenelg.
“We are set up for retirement - we are next to the bowls club, the tennis club and the croquet club," added wife Michelle.
But the only reason they could afford their house is the fact it sits, literally, right next to the freight train main route from Adelaide to Melbourne.
“Even though we are used to them and they don’t bother us that much, every now and then this massive freight train comes by.” says Michelle.
The inside was a bit of a shambles as well, bringing the price down into their price range.
“I had always wanted a house we could do work to; an old character home we could put our love and inspiration into,” says landscaper Brooke, who admits to having plenty of love but not enough money to bring his ideas to life.
But he had a good start with some basic renos when they first moved in, mainly because cooking in the original kitchen ended up producing inedible meals.
“The chimney was still open so every time you were cooking if there was wind then soot would come down all into your food,” explains Brooke.
So they installed a new kitchen, but admit it is in the wrong location in the house as the bathroom sits right to it.
They did other basic necessities like painting, floorboards and fixing the ceilings – but alas, they have cracked and sagged again already.
“They are still the original horsehair ceilings so they have all dropped and so you can see all the gaps and the dust coming through,” he says.
Designer Michelle admits to being extremely nervous about handing over her keys and the design of her home to anyone else.
“I’m really particular and I know how I like things,” she admits.
“People say that when they buy me presents they are really nervous as I’m quite fussy; it’s rare that someone buys me something I love.”
Parents to Addison, eight, and Tildie, five, they wrestled with the idea of leaving their kids behind to embark on a national renovation tour, but in the end they say they are doing it for the benefit of their family.
“The reason it is all happening is for them, we stressed to them the whole time we are going to build a new house so you have a new room and can invite people over,”  says Brooke. 
The first couple on 2016's House Rules were Fil and Joe, who have a 1950's weatherboard house in Melbourne.
The third house renovated on this year's House Rules series was Team NSW Nancy and Daniel, who's rundown 60's house lies halfway between their parent's homes.
</body></html>

Dream suburb too good to turn down for Michelle and Brooke

<html><body>
The first couple on 2016's House Rules were Fil and Joe, who have a 1950's weatherboard house in Melbourne.
Their mortgage is $568,000, which will be their prize if they win the Channel 7 competition.
During their 22 years of marriage, the pair have renovated several houses together.
The oldest team in the competition, Melbourne’s Fil and Joe bring with them a wealth of experience.
“Our first renovation was a 1920s Californian bungalow more than 20 years ago,” says Joe, who counts painting as his biggest strength.
“It’s a cycle; we buy a house, we change it, we look at it and go, ‘Let’s sell it! It’s time to move on.’”
But Fil, 45, and Joe, 48, bit of more than they could chew when they bought their current 1950s weatherboard.
It’s practically unliveable and a giant mortgage has left them with no money for renovations.
“The kitchen isn’t workable, the roof has holes in it and the ceiling leaks,” Joe says.
The whole kitchen slopes on an angle, which means every minute we’re walking through we have to close the drawers as they continuously fall open.
The home has a view from the deck where you can see the river.
Fil, who currently works at a wooden toy store, has a keen eye for design and spends her spare time reading design magazines.
She’s hoping House Rules will be the catalyst for turning her hobby to a career. “I’m hoping to start a new phase in my life. I would love to do this full time.”
Joe, an accountant, will be keeping a close eye on both the budget and Fil, who admits she’s a keen shopper. 
The second house transformed on air on this seasons House Rules was South Australian parents Michelle and Brooke.
The third house renovated on this year's House Rules series was Team NSW Nancy and Daniel, who's rundown 60's house lies halfway between their parent's homes.
</body></html>

Experience the key for House Rules couple Fil and Jo 

<html><body>
Channel Seven program chief Angus Ross has revealed that a new series of House Rules, already filmed and originally slated to screen in late 2015, won’t go to air this year.
The move comes as part of a major shake-up at the network, which will also see them dumping Million Dollar Minute from its afternoon time slot.
Its program chief Angus Ross acknowledged that the next House Rules would struggle competing against The Block in the planned 7.30pm timeslot.
"We've got a series [completed] but I don’t think the genre matching that has occurred this year has helped anyone," he told News Ltd.
"Do I think House Rules versus The Block is going to be a good outcome for us or for audiences? No. I don’t think it would be a win for anyone."
The Mumbrella website wrote one of the issues that has annoyed media buyers was the big networks putting similar shows up against each other.  
In recent years Seven and Nine have faced off with The Voice vs X Factor, House Rules vs Reno Rumble and The Hotplate vs Restaurant Revolution.
Mumbrella advised at last week’s revenue announcement Nine’s sales boss Peter Wiltshire acknowledged this had hit the bottom line for the network.
“(In quarter four) Nine’s ratings were impacted by the two leading networks programming formats being in the same genre head to head.
"To some extent we were our own worst enemy as we competed aggressively,” said Wiltshire.
“This caused pressure on audiences on free-to-air TV and specifically Nine’s share of that audience.
"The size and magnitude of these changes coincided with advertisers moving to shorter term buying decisions and immediate ratings history to support their actions. 
"This clearly worked against us as buyers worked to Q3 ratings in allocating Q4 revenues.”
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

House Rules won't take on The Block Octagonal

<html><body>
The Preston house on the first season of Channel Seven’s renovation program House Rules has been listed for August 29 auction.
It is the home of the contestant brothers, Nick and Chris Stavropoulos.
John Petsinis from Hocking Stuart has the three bedroom, two bathroom weatherboard house.
<div>
<div id="property-upper-display">
<div id="pane-tab">
<div id="displayphotos" data-photocount="15" data-floorplancount="1" data-iswa="0">
<div>
<div id="mainphoto">
<div id="link-photo"><img src="https://images.realestateview.com.au/pics/376/19-Jackman-Street-Preston-VIC-3072-Real-Estate-photo-1-large-9273376.jpg" alt="19 Jackman Street Preston VIC 3072 Real Estate Photo 1" title="19 Jackman Street Preston VIC 3072 House - Photo 1"></div>
<div> </div>
<div id="soldbanner">The property at 19 Jackman Street, Preston, last traded at $555,000 in mid-2012.</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
One of its new features is the stacked-stone fireplace.
Jackman Street's most recent sale was $895,000 in July this year for another three bedroom 1930s cottage that last sold at $446,000 in 2008.
Nick and Chris, the Channel 7 Melbourne House Rules brothers handed over the keys to fellow renovation contestants of their Californian bungalow in Preston in 2013.
It came with a mortgage of $524,000 which would have beeen wiped off by Channel 7 if they had won the renovation competition series hosted by Johanna Griggs.
<img class="img-responsive" src="/images/stories/flexicontent/l_houserulesmay30breakout.jpg" alt="Preston House Rules renovation with $524,000 mortgage after $555,000 brotherly purchase">
The 1930s bungalow went to July 2012 Ray White auction without success, subsequently listed at $580,000.
The brothers paid $555,000 in August 2012 for the 1930s bungalow on its 475 square metre block.
"A lot of our money went into our deposit," <a href="/news/preston-house-rules-renovation-with-524-000-mortgage-after-555-000-brotherly-purchase">the Stavropoulos brothers told the House Rules viewers</a>. 
There was a subsequent $49,000 development application with Darebin Council.
The brothers, who also appeared on Channel 9’s Reno Rumble, have made a few minor alterations since the show, including extending the outdoor area.
No price guidance is being given.
The median price of houses in Preston has jumped 8.8 per cent over the past 12 months to $700,000, <a href="/news">according to CoreLogic RP Data</a>, having been at around $575,000 when the house was bought in mid-2012.
 
 
 
 
</body></html>

Preston House Rules house hits the Melbourne auction market

<html><body>
Karina and Brian, the West Australian couple were the first team to be eliminated from House Rules. Karina and Brian stood to pocket their mortgage of middle order $360,000 if they had won the latest Channel 7 series of House Rules.
<div class=" is-preview"><img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CIFfuVOWUAA-ikz.jpg" alt="Embedded image permalink"></div>
The remaining five contestants on the Seven reality home-renovation competition have mortgage prize potential between $250,000 and $448,000 with Bronik and Corrine potentially the biggest winner. It will be the cheapest mortgage prize yet in the three-series ratings winner, though Channel 7 are also giving away to <a href="/expert-insights/buying/house-rules-holiday-home-prize-at-toogoom-hervey-bay">a viewer a Toogoom, Hervey Bay holiday home.</a>
Viewers would expect Sydney to have the highest mortgage but Steve Falzon - of the <a href="https://au.tv.yahoo.com/house-rules/teams/steve-and-tiana/#page1">father and daughter team </a>- bought his Shalvey house for $130,000 around 23 years ago. He has a $250,000 mortgage that would be wiped if they (pictured below) win the Johanna Griggs' hosted series.
<img src="/images/2015/05/20/700_steve_tiana.jpg" alt="">
 
2) Contestants, Ryan and Marlee's mortgage is $229,000 - paying off what the Adelaide couple dub the ugliest house in South Australia. Ryan Rebbeck purchased <a href="https://au.tv.yahoo.com/house-rules/houses/ryan-and-marlee/#page1" target="_blank">the house</a> four years ago alone, and works two jobs, garbage collector and paver. Marlee Murphy, who works as a travel agent, entered the duo on the show now in its third series.
They have big shoes to fill as the first House Rules winners South Australian team Carly and Leighton took out the top prize of the high rating renovation show, with their $450,000 mortgage wiped clean. Michelle and Steve from New South Wales were announced runners up in that series. They had wanted their $629,000 mortgage – the biggest mortgage on the show - wiped, but ofcourse they didn’t walk away empty handed with their newly renovated home to be potentially worth $180,000 to $225,000 more. The second series was won by Victoria’s Adam and Lisa who had their $546,000 mortgage paid off.
3) The 2015 Tasmanian House Rules contestants, Cassie and Matt have a $248,000 mortgage, the third smallest on the series. Their affordable, quirky 1960s home is in the Geilston Bay suburb.
4) Brisbane couple Ben and Danielle's mortgage is $405,000. They are the newlywed who bought the Brisbane home four years ago.
5) The $500,000 early 2014 purchase in Reservoir by House Rules contestant couple Bronik and Corrine sits as the priciest of potential prize outlay.
Bronik Davies, who confided that he was the first of his male descendants to own a house, has a $448,000 mortgage which would be wiped if the couple win the renovation competition.
House Rules premiered in May 2013 with the state-versus-state renovation series, from the makers of My Kitchen Rules, aiming to deliver true home renovations as the six contestant couples put their entire home on the line
Host Johanna Griggs expected and got lots of passion and pride in the way teams tackled the renovations.
"It's a bunch of likeable Australians with amazing back stories," <a href="/expert-insights/investing/house-rules-the-new-addictive-reality-television-show-on-the-block-renovates-for-keeps">Griggs advised Property Observer</a> with a "life-changing prize on the line." 
Johanna Griggs, the presenter of Better Homes and Gardens, is herself a keen home renovator, who on launch was building her fourth home with husband, builder Todd Huggins.
"You put your heart, soul, blood, sweat and tears into what you produce and when you realise you’ve done it together it’s an incredibly satisfying and addictive feeling."
</body></html>

House Rules

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

House Rules

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News