New apartment developments with uninterrupted, north-facing views over Perth's Swan River are exceptionally rare.

Recognising just how limited those opportunities are, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/edge-visionary-living">Edge Visionary Living</a>, one of Perth's most respected builder-developers, targeted <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/applecross-wa-6153">Applecross</a>, assembling an unrepeatable 6,342 sqm riverfront site on the corner of Moreau Mews and Canning Beach Road to create one of Perth's only new north-facing apartment developments directly overlooking the Swan River.

Today, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/riviere-residences-applecross-59-canning-beach-road-applecross-wa-6153">Rivière Residences</a> offers buyers a unique opportunity to choose between completed residences ready to move into now and off-the-plan homes in the final stage, Rivière West.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=28384 project_image_fid=3823]

Across the completed East and Central buildings, residents are already enjoying the development's luxury amenity, while two of the precinct's hospitality venues are now open.

The completed component of the development gives buyers the advantage of experiencing the finished product firsthand, including its uninterrupted river views, while still having the opportunity to secure a residence in the final stage.

"People are wowed by the view and the quality of the apartments,"&nbsp;Edge Visionary Living Sales Executive, Holly McSweeney, says.

"They're looking for the convenience of lock-and-leave living, but they're not looking to downsize on quality."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=28384 project_image_fid=3826]

The rarity of the development hasn't been lost on prospective buyers, McSweeney says.

For McSweeney, it all comes back to a location that is becoming increasingly difficult to replicate.

"Location, location, location," she says. "We are nestled right on the front of the Swan River. You can never get built out, so wherever you are in Rivière Residences, you've got views of the river forever."

The unique waterfront position has resonated particularly strongly with local downsizers. McSweeney says many buyers are long-time Applecross residents looking to transition from large family homes into a luxury apartment without sacrificing space, quality or the lifestyle they've enjoyed for decades.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/N_FowNW0wu8?si=vb25XFq1wZ-iufAW" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

A major focus for Edge in recent years has been resident amenity. Across its apartment portfolio, from beachfront developments in Scarborough to luxury towers in South Perth, the developer has increasingly invested in the spaces beyond the apartment itself.

The strategy has largely been shaped by downsizer demand. Many buyers are moving from large family homes with swimming pools and established gardens. While they're looking to leave the maintenance behind, they don't want to compromise on lifestyle.

At Rivière, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hillam-architects">Hillam Architects</a> designed the resident facilities as an extension of each apartment. A 25-metre heated swimming pool takes advantage of the north-facing river outlook, complemented by a large gym, sauna and steam rooms, private dining spaces, residents' lounges, a cinema, games room, and dedicated wine and whisky rooms.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=28384 project_image_fid=372542]

The waterfront location has also proved to be a major drawcard. Residents are within walking distance of the Raffles Hotel, South of Perth Yacht Club, the Heathcote Cultural Precinct and the cafés, restaurants and boutiques along Ardross Street.

Beyond the location and amenity, McSweeney says many buyers take confidence from Edge's fully integrated development model.

Having delivered apartments across Perth for decades, Edge now designs, develops and constructs its projects in-house, giving the company greater control over quality, delivery and the finished product.

"What I love is when people walk through their apartment for the first time and say, 'This is better than what we imagined,'" McSweeney says. "We hear that all the time."

Completed apartments in the East and Central buildings are now available to inspect by appointment, while Rivière West, the final stage of the precinct, is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=28384]

Joel Robinson

North-facing Swan River views drive demand at Rivière Residences in Applecross

Nearly 60 per cent of apartments at McNab Group's $220 million The Tannery development in Brisbane's West End have sold ahead of the project's public launch, including a suburb-record $2.57 million sale for a two-bedroom apartment.

The early sales campaign has secured buyers for 50 of the project's 87 apartments, highlighting continued demand for larger owner-occupier apartments that combine generous floorplans with premium lifestyle amenities in one of Brisbane's most tightly held inner-city suburbs.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374768]

McNab Group Executive Chairman Michael McNab said selling more than half the project before launch reflected changing buyer expectations.

"Selling more than half the project before public sales open tells us buyers are actively seeking apartments that offer something genuinely different," McNab said.

"Today's buyers are looking beyond four walls. They want homes that genuinely enhance the way they live, with spaces that support health, connection and everyday wellbeing."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374767]

A key point of difference for the project is the adaptive reuse of the heritage-listed Dixon's Tannery building, which will become The Retreat, a residents-only wellness precinct rather than being redeveloped into additional apartments.

The Retreat will feature a sauna and steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, a commercial-grade gym, Pilates studio, cinema, library, co-working spaces and private dining room. Rooftop amenities will include a swimming pool, landscaped gardens, outdoor entertaining areas and dog-friendly spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374760]

Designed by Cottee Parker Architects with interiors by Tom Mark Henry and landscape architecture by Aspect Studios, The Tannery comprises 87 two, three and four-bedroom apartments across 11 levels overlooking the Brisbane River.

Cottee Parker principal Dee Passenger said preserving the original tannery building had been central to the project's design.

"The easy option would have been to maximise the site's development potential with additional apartments. Instead, McNab has chosen to preserve the original tannery as a shared wellness retreat, ensuring this important piece of Brisbane's history remains at the heart of the community."

Passenger said sustainability also played a key role in the design, with materials from the original industrial site salvaged and repurposed throughout the development.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374761]

Motiv CEO Carly Cottam said buyers had responded strongly to the combination of larger apartments, wellness facilities and the West End lifestyle.

"We are seeing more buyers looking for homes in the sky that provide the space and functionality of a traditional home, while benefiting from the convenience and lifestyle that apartment living brings," Cottam said.

She said purchasers included both owner occupiers and investors, with demand coming from local buyers as well as interstate purchasers.

Coinciding with the public launch, McNab also announced a partnership with Queensland Ballet, whose neighbouring Thomas Dixon Centre shares historical ties with the original Dixon family.

Located on a 4,465 sqm site at 439 Montague Road, The Tannery overlooks the Brisbane River and is around 10 minutes from the CBD.

Construction is underway, with completion expected in the second half of 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=143337]

More than half of residences sold before public sales as McNab announces significant partnership with Queensland Ballet

McNab's The Tannery nears 60 per cent sold before public release, sets two-bedroom West End record

Iwan Sunito's vision for a landmark mixed-use precinct in Sydney's Inner West has taken a major step forward, with approval granted for the $1.9 billion Five Dock development first unveiled earlier this year.

The approved scheme by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/one-global-capital">One Global Capital</a> will deliver an 80,500 sqm mixed-use precinct comprising 840 apartments, integrated hotel accommodation, commercial and retail space, alongside publicly accessible open space designed to create a new destination for the growing suburb.

"This is a significant milestone for One Global Capital and for the future of housing delivery in Sydney," Sunito said.

"The Housing Delivery Authority was established to identify major housing projects capable of delivering meaningful supply more efficiently, and we are delighted that Spencer Street has been recognised as one of those projects.”

He said the declaration reflected the rapid progress achieved since acquiring control of the site.

"In less than seven months we have progressed from taking control of the site to securing entry into one of the NSW Government's most important planning pathways. It reflects the experience of our team, the strength of our consultant group led by Urbis, and our long-term commitment to delivering transformational projects that contribute to Sydney's future."

When the project was revealed earlier this year, Sunito described the opportunity as one of the strongest development sites he had worked on.

"I probably hadn't appreciated the uniqueness of the site until more recently when putting together the concept plans," Sunito said.

"The proximity to the water, and the golf course opposite, is unlike any other part of Parramatta Road. We have a unique position and view corridors over the water that makes this one of the best sites I've worked on."

The development has evolved since its initial announcement, with the approved plans increasing the residential component from the originally proposed 750 apartments to 840 homes while retaining the project's focus on creating an integrated neighbourhood rather than a standalone residential development.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/a-city-within-a-city-iwan-sunito-flags-1-5-billion-mixed-use-precinct-in-five-dock">"A city within a city": Iwan Sunito flags $1.5 billion mixed-use precinct in Five Dock</a>

The precinct will combine apartments with hotel accommodation, commercial workplaces, retail offerings and public spaces, creating a mixed-use environment intended to serve both residents and the broader Five Dock community. The proposal also continues the collaboration between One Global Capital and internationally recognised architect <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/koichi-takada-architects">Koichi Takada</a>, whose previous work with Sunito includes Infinity, Arc and Skye North Sydney.

Takada previously said the design was driven by a philosophy of integrating nature into the built environment.

"The concept for this development is born from our design approach to naturalising architecture," Takada said.

"The public realm benefits from biophilic design that integrates generous landscaping, and the development is optimised for natural daylight, airflow and water views to foster wellbeing, sustainability and spaces that foster community interaction."

Sunito has consistently described the project as a "city within a city", with a strong emphasis on creating a destination that extends beyond housing.

"We want to create a development that's not only to be seen, but to be experienced by the whole local community," he said.

The approval comes as Five Dock continues its transformation ahead of the opening of the Sydney Metro West line, with the new Five Dock station set to significantly improve connections between the Inner West, Parramatta and the Sydney CBD.&nbsp;

The precinct will also benefit from its proximity to the Parramatta Road corridor, nearby waterfront parklands and established retail and dining offerings that have made Five Dock one of Sydney's most tightly held Inner West suburbs.

Iwan Sunito secures approval for $1.9 billion Five Dock mixed-use precinct

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.

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."

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.

Local downsizers, right-sizers and established families already living in Yarraville and surrounding suburbs have accounted for the majority of purchasers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144913 project_image_fid=297740]

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.

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144913 project_image_fid=297741]

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.

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144913 project_image_fid=297735]

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.

Apartments at Yarraville Green are currently priced from $625,000, while townhomes start from $1.4 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=144913]

Garden-led design drives buyer demand at Yarraville Green

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.

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373556]

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.

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.

"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.

"Every Fortis project is shaped by its context, and we approach each one with the respect and care it deserves.

"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."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373559]

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.

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373583]

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.

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373571]

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.

Completion of Crest &amp; Walker is slated for late 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145922]

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

House Rules

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Channel Seven's renovation program House Rules holiday home giveaway is at Toogoom. The near beachfront block cost the television network $275,000 late last year, the highest price paid for a vacant block at the Fraser Coast location in the past 18 months. 
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-residential+land-qld-toogoom-200471835" target="_blank">The block</a> at 14 Sea Beach Way had been for sale at $292,000 since early 2013.
 <img src="/images/2015/06/22/front.jpg" alt="">
The now renovated Queenslander on a 660 square metre block in Toogoom will be <a href="https://au.tv.yahoo.com/house-rules/panadol/" target="_blank">the prize for a viewer</a>. Houses in the locality have sold for as high as $567,500 in recent months.
 
<img src="/images/2015/06/22/autv_hr3_p3_before_frontdeck_1ao4rn8-1ao4rni.jpg" alt="">
<h2 class="module-header-heading">HOLIDAY HOUSE RULES</h2>
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<div class="simpleimage-figure-wrap"><img src="https://s.yimg.com/dh/ap/default/150617/HR3_Phase3_HouseRules.jpg"></div>
</div>
 
The Fraser Coast locality is in the reality television  spotlight, with the show's host Johanna Griggs saying the coast's natural beauty and easy-going attitude swayed the producers to shoot in the area. CoreLogic RP Data put the <a href="/news">median house price at $305,000</a>, well down on the $395,000 peak in 2008.
 <img src="/images/2015/06/22/autv_hr3_p3_before_entry_1ao4rkn-1ao4rl1.jpg" alt="">
The classic Queenslander house was trucked from the Sunshine Coast to the property in Toogoom, with the show's contestants given a week to renovate it.
The production team and contestants spent 10 days in the area, helped by Fraser Coast businesses and labour.
 
<div class="_6l- __c_">
<div class="uiScaledImageContainer _6m5 fbStoryAttachmentImage"><img class="scaledImageFitWidth img" src="https://fbexternal-a.akamaihd.net/safe_image.php?d=AQAYgZiXrBtjCsha&amp;w=470&amp;h=246&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fscontent.xx.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-xpa1%2Fv%2Ft1.0-9%2F10941858_891496577552310_6813456587451349728_n.jpg%3Foh%3D27fd05eea005580799c3225dfb6981c9%26oe%3D55EBF48E&amp;cfs=1&amp;upscale=1" alt="" width="470" height="246"></div>
</div>
The house, given an estimated worth of more than $800,000, will be up for grabs for viewers who enter the show's nightly competition held with Panadol Rapid sponsorship. The house comes with an official estimated $725,000 value with another $75,000 attributed to its contents.
<img src="/images/2015/06/23/houseRules_panadol_header_v7.jpg" alt="" style="line-height: 1.3em;">
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

House Rules holiday home prize at Toogoom, Hervey Bay

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The WA contestants, Karina and Brian, stand to pocket their mortgage of $360,000 if they win the latest Channel 7 series of House Rules.
They are the final couple to have their home renovated and mortgage disclosed.
The Geraldton couple Karina and Brian Day are a 40-somethings couple who have faced years of financial hardship.
They are the oldest couple in the Seven reality home-renovation competition.
The couple bought their house in the Geraldton suburb of Moresby four years ago - and didn't believe they'd get on to the show because of their remote location.
The couple have three children, teens Daniel and Bailey from Brian's former marriage, and six-year-old Lara.
<div class="page-header-expandable">
They bought the property in Geraldton, north of Perth, five years ago because of its potential. Situated on five acres, it enjoys ocean glimpses, mountain views and roaming wildlife. The 1970s Spanish-style villa is in desperate need of renovation. 
Karina, who works as an operations manager at her local museum, is a qualified drafter with a keen interest in interior design.
Brian works in the mining industry as a plant operator but he's also a qualified timber framer who once owned his own shed building company.
</div>
 
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House Rules WA $360k mortgage

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Ben and Danielle's mortgage is $405,000. They are the newlywed Brisbane couple on the latest series of the hit Channel 7 show, House Rules.
He's a firefighter and Danielle wants to pursue being an artist, but works as a town planner.
They bought the Brisbane home four years ago.
Danielle was nervous about what their "forever house" will look like after renovation by virtual strangers.
"We could never have done a full reno on it. There's just too much to do," said Ben.
Newlyweds Ben and Danielle always wanted a home in one of Brisbane's most expensive areas.
Their dream came true in 2011 but it meant buying the worst house in the suburb.
The couple liken their 1970s split-level brick abode to a ski chalet with timber cladding and outdated finishes.
The pair - who celebrated their first anniversary in October last year – bought the home from an elderly couple who'd raised their family there.
"They left us a bottle of wine and a card saying, ‘We hope you spend as many happy years as we did here,'" Danielle says.
<img src="/images/2015/05/27/Screen%20Shot%202015-05-27%20at%209.46.16%20AM.png" alt="">
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Ben and Danielle's $405,000 House Rules Brisbane mortgage

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The Sydney contestants in the latest House Rules live in the Mount Druitt district.
<a href="https://au.tv.yahoo.com/house-rules/teams/steve-and-tiana/#page1">The father and daughter team Steve and Tiana Falzon</a> have their 1960s brick three-bedroom house up for transformation.
<img src="/images/2015/05/20/700_steve_tiana.jpg" alt="">
Steve Falzon bought the Shalvey house for $130,000 23 years ago. 
His wife Danielle died 19 years ago, leaving him, then 28, to raise Tiana and son Andrew.
Being a single dad, there was no extra money to do work on the house. He has a $250,000 mortgage that would be wiped if they win the Johanna Griggs' hosted series on Channel 7.
He lives in the house with his new partner, Deanne and their son, Rory, 6.
Steve, a metal fabricator, admits to feeling embarrassed by the state of his home.
"I would like to feel proud of this house again. It's been a long-time dream to have this house renovated. And to have my mortgage paid off would be mind-blowing."
Tiana, a childcare director, now lives 20 minutes away with new husband Dean.
Shalvey is located 48 kilometres west of the Sydney central business district, <a href="/news">with a $362,500 median house price</a>, according to CoreLogic RP Data.
<a href="/news/nsw/the-10-sydney-suburbs-with-the-highest-yields-for-houses-are-within-five-kilometres-of-each-other">In 2012 Shalvey</a>, in Sydney's west, was named last year by RPData as possessing one the city's top 10 for rental yields.
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House Rules $250,000 Shalvey, Sydney contestant mortgage

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House Rules 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 they don’t walk away empty handed with their newly renovated home to be potentially worth $180,000 to $225,000 more.
A $500,000 purchase in Melbourne's Reservoir was behind the 2015 House Rules series contestant couple, Bronik and Corrine's property <a href="/news/bronik-and-corrines-448-000-house-rules-mortgage-1st-generation-home-owners">in Melbourne's northern suburbs.</a> Bronik and Corrine have<a href="/news/bronik-and-corrines-448-000-house-rules-mortgage-1st-generation-home-owners"> a $448,000</a> mortgage which would be wiped if the couple win the 2015 Johanna Grigg's hosted renovation competition.
<img src="/images/2015/05/08/700_adelaide.jpg" alt="" width="570" height="346">
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Ryan and Marlee's $229,000 House Rules Adelaide mortgage

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The $500,000 early 2014 purchase in Reservoir was House Rules contestant couple Bronik and Corrine's first property purchase.
Bronik Davies also advised Channel 7 viewers that he was the first of his male descendants to own a house. It is in Melbourne's northern suburbs.
He has a $448,000 mortgage which would be wiped if the couple win the renovation competition.
<a href="/news">Reservoir's median house price is at $538,000</a>, according to CoreLogic RP Data.
He is the only carpenter in the competition.
Bronik, 27, has spent the last 10 years working as a chippie and it's a job he loves. "I enjoy building something from scratch and seeing what I end up with," he says.
His girlfriend of two years, Corrine, 28, describes Bronik as being ‘super impulsive', like the time he bought their house without telling her.
<div class="page-header-expandable">
"We were out watching the cricket and he gets this call," she laughs. "He's like, 'Babe, guess what? We just bought a house!' I still get goosebumps thinking about it."
The 1960s weatherboard they bought early last year was the first house they looked at.
Despite it being a ‘bombsite' and an ‘eye-sore', it was situated where they could see themselves raising a family.
"We want to make this place our forever home; an open space where we feel comfortable and can raise some kids," Bronik said.
The only habitable area is the living room which is where they eat and sleep.
While they had a vision for the property, hefty mortgage repayments have stalled renovations.
"Knowing that we have such a huge mortgage hanging over our heads has put a lot of strain on us financially," Bronik says.
"We can't afford it financially," Corinne advised, with House Rules just the opportunity they'd been waiting for.
Corrine's no stranger to renovation, having remodelled a milk bar she once owned into a funky café. Corrine now holds down two jobs as a barista and retail assistant.
Victoria took the House Rules title in 2014 with Adam and Lisa's win.
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Bronik, a dual Frank Rosbrook Medal winner, captains the Cougars in the AFL Northern Football League.
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Bronik and Corrine's $448,000 House Rules mortgage - 1st generation home owners

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The new season of Channel 7's reality renovation program, House Rules, returns to our screens next month. And host Johanna Griggs tells Property Observer that the contestants might have it harder this time than they ever have before.
The show, like some of the other competitive reality television programs currently on television, has tended to stack the competing teams with plenty of renovation professionals, whether plumbers, carpenters or cabinet-makers. But in the upcoming season, Griggs says, there is only one tradie among the competitors.
"They're absolute novices," she says. "They're the least experienced renovators that we ever had."
The results of the casting move, Griggs says, weren't always pretty.
"The first reveal, I said, 'oh dear'. The finishes weren't up to standard, and I was a little worried."
As in previous seasons, the contestants hail from all over Australia. House Rules sees the teams renovate each other's homes according to a set of "house rules", with the winning team having their mortgage paid off.
Among the novice competitors are father and daughter duo Steve and Tiana, from Western Sydney. The other teams will be renovating Steve's current house, which Tiana was raised in. Steve, the oldest competitor in this series, raised Tiana in the three bedroom 1960s brick.
The only team with professional trades skills are Bronik and Corinne, from Victoria. Bronik, a carpenter, lives with his girlfriend, Corinne, in the living room of the 1960s weatherboard.  The couple can't afford to renovate the home, which has only one habitable room.
There are no "baddies" among the contestants this season, according to Griggs.
"They're so lovely," she says.
"It's so hard getting the six homes done, and the six gardens, so there's no luxury of casting anyone who's nasty."
Last season, Tasmanian couple Brook and Grant were largely portrayed as villains. This season, the Tasmanian representatives are Cassie and Matt. Cassie says "the pressure is on" after Tasmanian couples were the first to be eliminated in previous seasons.
They live in a 1960s brick home in Hobart. Cassie works as a pharmacist while Matt is a swimming instructor training to be a P.E. teacher.
Ryan, of Adelaide, lives with his girlfriend and teammate Marlee. He purchased the house four years ago alone, and works two jobs to pay for what the couple calls "the ugliest house in Australia". Marlee works as a travel agent, and sees the competition as way to relieve Ryan's workload.
From Western Australia are married couple Karina and Brian, who have three children. Their house in Geraldton, north of Perth, sits on five acres, with ocean and mountain views. Although they bought it with the intention to renovate, they can't afford to make changes to the 1970s Spanish-style villa. At 42 and 44, they are the oldest team in the season.
While Brian does have some professional trades experience as a qualified timber framer, not all the contestants have an easy time at the beginning of the season, with Griggs saying some don't realise to do things like account for flooring when taking measurements for a room.
"With the first reveal, I was quite in shock at the standard, and maybe that's heartening," she said.
But the teams "improve dramatically"over the course of the season, she says. One of the hardest homes this season, she tells Property Observer, is in the first week, with contestants competing with mould and only one livable room. But Griggs says the house, presumably Corinne and Bronik's, has more than just shock value.
"You've got to remember that the man who owns it is the first man in his family who's ever owned his own home. So he's the most proud human being to own that place, and that's what makes it special."
Another house, she says, is obviously the product of an owner-builder "who just decided to rewrite the laws of building". With structural problems, Griggs calls the house "a basket case from start to finish".
While other renovation shows pitch themselves to a luxury market, Griggs says House Rules is more emotional, and relatable.
"The biggest point of difference is that its their own home," says Griggs.
"They're going to have to live in it."
The season premiere of the new season of House Rules airs on Channel 7 on Tuesday, 5 May.
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House Rules promises the toughest season yet

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Queensland House Rules renovation couple Maddi and Lloyd Wright sold their Townsville home at weekend auction for $520,000.
The property at Pallarenda had three bedrooms.
It was sold through Keyes &amp; Co Property Townsville after its renovation on the Channel 7 television show hosted by Johanna Griggs.
The 1950s home, within walking distance of the beach, sits on a 701 square metre block.
It sold to an interstate buyer who will rent it until their relocation.
They were the only registered buyer at the auction, according to News Ltd's local paper.
<a href="https://propertyobserver.com.au/finding/location/qld/37677-house-rules-maddi-and-lloyd-list-renovated-house" target="_blank">The couple who are moving north paid $372,000</a> for the four bedroom house in 2013 when it came with significant issues including rot, mould and uneven floors.
The marketing of the house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-pallarenda-118408027" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">59 Wackett Street, Pallarenda</a> featured the couple prominently.
RP Data put the <a href="/news">median house price</a> at $450,000.
 
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House Rules' Maddi and Lloyd sell their Townsville reno

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Townsville's Maddi and Lloyd, contestants on Channel 7's House Rules, are auctioning their house.
They paid $372,000 for the four bedroom house in 2013. It came with significant damage including rot, mould, uneven floors and a barely useable kitchen.
Since then, the house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-pallarenda-118408027" target="_blank">59 Wackett Street, Pallarenda</a>, has undergone some dubious televised renovations thanks to the couple's fellow contestants. Melbourne couple Adam and Lisa, earned a 10 out of 10 score for their makeover of the Townsville house's kitchen. They later went on to win the show.
The couple feature prominently in the property's marketing campaign, appearing in a video describing the house.
{qtube vid:=a1Z1GjNZL5Q}
When given the opportunity, Maddi and Lloyd removed some of the more eccentric elements installed on the show, including the hessian ceiling Tasmanians Brooke and Grant applied in the master bedroom.
There is bamboo flooring throughout the house, with cathedral ceilings in the central open plan kitchen, living and dining area. The tropical home has louvre windows and bi-fold doors opening onto a wraparound deck that can be accessed from the kitchen and two of its three bedrooms.
Part of the deck overlooks the in-ground swimming pool.
The home, selling through Keyes &amp; Co Property Townsville, is located at the end of a cul-de-sac, backing onto a reserve. Buyers will have the option of purchasing the home empty or fully furnished.
Maddi told The Courier Mail that the couple will be moving to begin a family.
"We have made the decision to move to Cairns, it's where Lloyd's family lives," Maddi said.
"We're looking at having kids sooner rather than later, so it's important to us to be near family."
They are not the first couple from this year's House Rules to put their home on the market. Ryan Pusic and Candy Stuart sold their <a href="/expert-insights/buying/house-rules-candy-and-ryan-secure-190-000-emu-plains-sale-flip-success">renovated Emu Plains home</a> for $590,000 in August. Western Australian couple Carole and Russell were also seeking to offload their Boya home, though it did not seem to appear on any major listing websites. Instead, it appears the couple may just have sold the property as they bought it – without an agent, through <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/boya/property-for-sale/boya-carole-and-russell-house-rules/1060241034" target="_blank">Gumtree</a>.
<img src="/images/2014/11/11/Picture%201.png" alt="">
Maddi and Lloyd's house will be auctioned on 6 December.
You might want to read: <a href="/expert-insights/building/swimwear-model-maddis-shoe-room-overhaul-as-house-rules-hits-tropical-pallarenda-townsville"> Swimwear model Maddi's shoe room overhaul as House Rules hits tropical Pallarenda, Townsville</a>
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House Rules' Maddi and Lloyd list renovated house

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Grandparents Carole and Russell Bramston are selling the Boya home that was renovated by their team mates on Channel 7's House Rules earlier this year.
The Western Australian couple were runners up on the series, losing out to <a href="/expert-insights/building/underdogs-adam-and-lisa-win-house-rules-season-two">Melbourne's Adam and Lisa</a>.
They purchased the Boya home (pictured above prior to the House Rules renovation) off <a href="/expert-insights/building/house-rules-would-you-buy-a-home-off-gumtree-without-a-building-inspection-report">classifieds website Gumtree</a> for $360,000, and ended up with a home riddled with structural and superficial problems, including plumbing issues, mould, pest problems and holes in the floors and walls.
Carole told <a href="https://www.watoday.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/house-rules-couple-carole-and-russell-to-sell-boya-home-20140912-10fubi" target="_blank">WA Today</a> that if the couple had won House Rules and had their $290,000 mortgage wiped clean, they would have kept the home. After losing, they're now hoping to offload the home to help them downsize and enter a mortgage free retirement.
The couple said they plan to use the sale of their Boya home to fund a move to the riverside suburb of Ascot, where they intend to build small townhouse.
Earlier this year, Carole and Russell faced accusations that they weren't the "battlers" they were portrayed as on television due to their <a href="/expert-insights/building/house-rules-contestants-hardly-on-struggle-street-say-critics">three bedroom Halls Head home</a> that they were intending to sell for $1.17 million.
However, the couple told WA Today that the Halls Head home "has a massive mortgage over it", and that they could not afford to live in it. It has since been removed from the market, after the asking price was lowered to $995,000.
Carole and Russell are not the first couple from the second season of House Rules to attempt to offload their renovated homes. Candy and Ryan sold their Emu Plains house <a href="/expert-insights/buying/house-rules-candy-and-ryan-secure-190-000-emu-plains-sale-flip-success">sold their house</a> in late August for $190,000 more than the initial purchase price.
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