<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/consolidated-properties">Consolidated Properties Group</a> (CPG) is approaching the launch of its latest Brisbane riverfront development, Castile, on the dress circle Skyring Terrace in Newstead.

VIP buyers are now being engaged, with a full public sales launch coming later this year.

Positioned as the final opportunity to secure a new absolute riverfront residence on the East bank of Newstead, Teneriffe or New Farm, Castile at 47 Skyring Terrace has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> as a timeless addition to the Brisbane skyline.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=371113]

The name Castile draws on themes of permanence, sophistication and legacy, reflecting a broader vision centred on enduring architecture and timelessness in the rarest of riverfront positions.&nbsp;

CPG Chairman and CEO Don O’Rorke said the project had been envisioned as a future Brisbane icon.&nbsp;

“With 47 metres of direct river frontage and never to be built out views, 47 Skyring Terrace is the definitive address on the Brisbane River,” O’Rorke said.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=371114]

“Rather than following trend-based apartment design, Castile draws inspiration from Brisbane’s great heritage buildings, reinterpreting classical architecture into a contemporary riverfront landmark designed to stand proudly for the next 100 years,” he said.&nbsp;

The approved development will comprise 227 apartments across a 25-storey tower alongside a boutique six-storey riverfront building of just 12 residences.&nbsp;

Construction is scheduled to commence in September 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150489]

Joel Robinson

CPG unveils Castile Newstead ahead of upcoming sales launch

Australia’s online shopping habits have shifted dramatically over the last decade. As eCommerce volumes surged, so too did the frustrations that came with traditional parcel delivery: missed deliveries, long Post Office queues, parcel theft and the challenge of being home during business hours.

Australia Post’s Parcel Lockers emerged as one of the more practical responses to that changing consumer behaviour.

What started as a relatively niche delivery option has evolved into a nationwide network of more than 1,400 self-service Parcel Lockers positioned at train stations, shopping centres, supermarkets and Post Offices across the country. The system allows Australians to send, collect and return parcels 24 hours a day, fundamentally changing how many people interact with deliveries.

The appeal is relatively straightforward: flexibility.

Instead of waiting at home for a delivery driver or rushing to a Post Office before closing time, users can direct eligible parcels to a Parcel Locker location of their choice. Once the parcel arrives, Australia Post sends a notification with a collection code or QR access through the AusPost app, allowing customers to retrieve their package at any time within the collection window.

For apartment residents in particular, the system has become increasingly valuable.

Higher-density living has created logistical challenges around deliveries, especially in buildings without concierge services or secure parcel rooms. Missed deliveries are common, while parcel theft has become an increasing concern as online shopping volumes continue to rise.

Australia Post itself has repeatedly highlighted the growing issue of “porch pirates” during peak shopping periods, encouraging customers to use Parcel Lockers as a safer alternative to unattended home deliveries.

That security aspect is one of the key reasons the Australia Post Parcel Locker network has grown so rapidly.

Parcel Lockers are positioned as secure, monitored collection points that reduce the risk of theft while also improving delivery efficiency for Australia Post. Instead of multiple redelivery attempts, parcels can be consolidated into a single secure destination.

The Parcel Lockers themselves are free to use through a MyPost account and support a range of parcel sizes up to 16 kilograms and dimensions of approximately 35 x 44 x 61 centimetres.

Beyond receiving parcels, the system has increasingly become integrated into the broader eCommerce ecosystem.

Customers can now use Parcel Lockers to return online purchases, while retailers have embraced the model as a way to improve delivery success rates and reduce friction in the shopping process. Australia Post has actively expanded partnerships with major retailers and promoted Parcel Lockers as part of a broader out-of-home strategy.

The timing of that expansion aligns with broader changes in Australian shopping behaviour.

The acceleration of online retail during and after the pandemic placed enormous pressure on delivery infrastructure. Parcel volumes reached record highs, particularly during Black Friday and Christmas periods, with Australia Post delivering more than 100 million parcels during peak festive seasons.

That growth forced logistics providers to rethink the “last mile” of delivery, widely regarded as the most expensive and operationally difficult stage of the process.

Parcel Locker systems have increasingly been viewed as part of the long-term solution.

The concept itself is not unique to Australia. Parcel Locker networks have become common globally, particularly across Europe and Asia, where dense urban environments and apartment living create similar logistical challenges. But Australia’s geography and suburban sprawl made adoption slower initially.

Now, however, the convenience factor is driving mainstream usage.

For commuters, Parcel Lockers near train stations allow parcels to be collected on the way home from work. For apartment dwellers, they remove the uncertainty around access and missed deliveries.

The rise of the AusPost app has also streamlined the experience, centralising notifications, tracking and Parcel Locker access into a single platform. Australia Post has increasingly pushed customers toward app-based delivery management, partly as a way to combat phishing scams and fake delivery notifications, which have become more sophisticated in recent years.

The Parcel Locker model is also beginning to influence property development itself.

Parcel management has become a growing consideration in apartment building design, particularly as online shopping becomes embedded in everyday life. Many new residential developments are now incorporating dedicated parcel rooms or Parcel Locker systems into foyers and communal spaces.

For developers, parcel management is increasingly viewed as part of the broader resident amenity offering, alongside gyms, wellness spaces and communal work areas.

That reflects a wider evolution in how residential buildings are designed.

Apartment buyers are placing greater emphasis on convenience, security and operational functionality, particularly in higher-density urban environments. Parcel delivery, once considered a minor operational detail, has become an increasingly important part of that equation.

Australia Post’s Parcel Locker network sits at the centre of that behavioural shift.

What began as a simple alternative delivery option has evolved into a key piece of infrastructure supporting Australia’s growing eCommerce economy and changing urban lifestyles.

And as online shopping continues to expand, the role of Parcel Lockers is likely to become even more embedded in how Australians live, shop and receive goods.

How Australia Post Parcel Lockers changed parcel delivery convenience in Australia

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;

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

Reality Tv

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With the auctions for The Block Glasshouse only a few weekends away and each listed online, people are already guessing what each Prahran apartment will sell for.
Property value predictor realAs has estimated the price of two of the properties on The Block Glasshouse: Chris and Jenna's unit and Max and Karstan's apartment.
So far, Max and Karstan are ahead, according to realAs. Their algorithm predicts that the apartment at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-prahran-117846863" target="_blank">3/121-127 High Street Prahran</a> (pictured above) will sell for $1,728,000, based on a price guide of $1.6 million.
Chris and Jenna aren't far behind with their windowless offering predicted to sell for $1,624,000, compared to their price guide of $1.5 million.
Predictions from realAs aren't yet available for Deanne and Darren, Michael and Carlene or Simon and Shannon's apartments.
The listing for Michael and Carlene's apartment at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-prahran-117902235" target="_blank">1/125 High Street</a> describes it as "showcasing the warm style that has made Michael and Carlene major award winners".
Their apartment (pictured below) has 236.8 square metres of floor space, and a southerly aspect. The judges deemed their kitchen, laundry, entrance and living and dining area the best on show this season.
 <img src="/images/2014/09/23/1.jpg" alt="">
Chris and Jenna's apartment, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-prahran-117921143" target="_blank">pictured below</a>, has 277 square metres of floor space, making it the biggest apartment in The Block.
The apartment, however, also doesn't have a single external window - just skylights and an internal terrace. To make up for it, they're the only apartment with a rooftop terrace.
 <img src="/images/2014/09/23/2.jpg" alt="">
Karstan and Maxine have a 237 square metre apartment, with a north-westerly aspect (pictured below).
The couple also have a "secret" extra room which is yet to be revealed.
 <img src="/images/2014/09/23/3.jpg" alt="">
The apartment at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-prahran-117915927" target="_blank">4/125 High Street</a>, renovated by brothers Simon and Shannon, has a southerly aspect (pictured below).
The 249 square metre apartment is the second largest, and overlooks High Street.
<img src="/images/2014/09/23/4jpg" alt=""> 
Deanne and Darren's apartment, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-prahran-117930567" target="_blank">6/121 High Street</a>, is the smallest on The Block, with just 186.7 square metres of floor space.
It does, however, have the most desirable aspect, facing northward and delivering city views (pictured below).
 <img src="/images/2014/09/23/block-sept-23-one.jpg" alt="">
Each team will take home the sale price of their apartment minus their reserve, with the team that has the highest price above reserve also receiving a $100,000 prize.
realAs is also <a href="https://realas.com/theblock/" target="_blank">running a competition</a> for those who think they can guess the end price for the apartments, with an iPhone 6 up for grabs. 
Which apartment do you think will attract the highest price?
{mijopolls 38}
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jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

The Block Glasshouse apartments: How much will they sell for?

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Last night's episode of Location Location Location showed two pairs of uncertain upgraders who needed to figure out their priorities.
Buyer's agent Bryce Holdaway teamed up with petrophysicist Jane and her partner, self-identified geek and IT professional Brian. The Perth couple hoped to move in together, but despite many home inspections, were yet to make the jump.
They were after a house with three or more bedrooms, to give each of them plenty of independent space. There had to be a media room for Brian, plenty of quiet reading space for Jane, and a short commute to the city for her work. For all that, the couple could pay up to $1.2 million.
With no particular location or style in mind, Bryce was tasked with testing the couples limits and determining their priorities.
First stop was Maylands, on the banks of the Swan River. The four bedroom, two bathroom house with a games room - and its own spa room, off the en suite - was on the market for $995,000.
It initially made a good impression on Brian and Jane, but Brian's reservations about the area were enough to have it struck from the list - and so the couple were one step closer to figuring out what they really wanted in a home.
Next, Bryce took them to Mount Hawthorn, one of Brian and Jane's preferred suburbs. The 1930s bungalow's facade gave Brian some doubts, but the renovated interior won him over. Jane especially loved the character of the house, with its exposed brick and polished concrete floors. Brian was more keen on the home's recreation spaces.
The three bedroom, two bedroom open plan house was listed with a price guide of $1,249,000 - almost $50,000 above their budget.
The third option was a house in South Freemantle with cathedral style timber ceilings and loft areas. At $1,175,000, the house fell within their price range. Unfortunately, the location would mean a 45 minute commute for Jane, and it too dropped off their radar - it seemed that for this couple, location was more important than they thought.
Lastly, Brian and Jane checked out Mount Lawley, a suburb in high demand (and much closer to Jane's work). The 1930s period home, with four bedrooms, a games room and open plan living room was just a seven minute drive to the city. But the house's position and dark interior was enough to turn the couple off, despite its convenience.
So style and layout was important to Brian and Jane too - as was price. With a $1,259,000 price guide, the couple would have needed to really love the home to make an offer.
In the end, they decided that Mount Hawthorn was the house for them - but they couldn't move on their budget. So Bryce put in an initial offer of $1.2 million, but the bid wasn't enough to take it off the market. The vendors needed a $1.22 million offer to convince them to cancel the planned open for inspection.
But Brian and Jane decided to stick to their guns - $1.2 million was their hard limit and they weren't going above it. From then, it was a waiting game - one that they won. The vendors received no other offers and they secured <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-mount+hawthorn-116490523" target="_blank">the house</a>, pictured below, for $1.2 million.
<img src="/images/2014/09/17/1.jpg" alt="">
Article continues on the next page. Please click below.
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Meanwhile, Veronica Morgan was helping out personal assistant Suzie and her daughter Kate. Suzie was after a radical tree change, and was after a home in Mullimbimby, 18 kilometres north-west of Byron Bay.
But the self-proclaimed emotional buyer wasn't just after a holiday home - she wanted to run a vegan bed and breakfast and an animal sanctuary from her new property.
Veronica first took the pair to a 15 acre Mullumbimby property. At first, it seemed perfect. Its sprawling gardens and elevated position gave it beautiful views, it had a four bedroom main house where Suzie could operate the bed and breakfast and a detached self contained studio and pool for the guests. At $759,000, it was well within Suzie's $850,000 budget.
But though Suzie loved the house's surroundings, her enthusiasm stopped as soon as she walked inside. She had an instinctive bad reaction to the design of the house's lower level, reporting that she was keen on cathedral ceilings and timber lined walls.
So it was off to a converted 1930s church, with lots of open plan space. There were two large bedrooms up one end and a third in a reclaimed loft. There was also a cabin on the property for guests.
Despite her enthusiasm, Bryce and Veronica had concerns over Suzie's ability to maintain the 8 acre property. However, she maintained that she had a plan: have someone take care of the property and live in a cabin rent free.
Veronica had her doubts, so took Suzie and Kate to another converted church - this time, a weatherboard that needs some maintenance. It was located, however, on a much more manageable 1 acre plot. The three bedroom house is very popular with Kate, but Suzie isn't so sure. When pressed about the property's impressive kitchen, she admits that she's not that keen on the cooking aspect of running a bed and breakfast.
The episode demonstrated that purchasing a commercial property is more complicated than one might imagine. In order to be certain about purchasing a business property, you must first be certain about your business - and Suzie certainly wasn't.
In the end, she dramatically changed her business plan and the kind of property she was after. After a change of heart, she purchased a <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-acreage+semi+rural-nsw-huonbrook-116216611" target="_blank">three bedroom cabin weatherboard</a> on 2.5 acres in Huonbrook (pictured below).
<img src="/images/2014/09/17/2.jpg" alt="">
At $380,000, she could afford to make an emotional decision, and did.
Though it was a spur of the moment decision, Suzie was very happy with it. And as an emotional buyer, that's all she could ask for.
Five things to learn from this episode of Location Location Location:
<ol>
<li>
Know your limit. Brian and Jane knew that $1.2 million was their hard limit, and they weren't intimidated by the prospect of competition.</li>
<li>
Wait and see. After putting in an initial bid at the top of their budget, the couple didn't have any room to move, so were forced to wait to observe what other buyers would do. Remember, you can only control your offers, not your competitors'.</li>
<li>
Learn by looking. Both sets of buyers thought they were flexible, but once they began inspecting properties, it turned out they had requirements they hadn't considered. Don't waste too much time behind a computer screen - the only way you'll be able to really figure out what you want is by seeing properties in person. 
</li>
<li>
Know your business. Suzie was unsure about what kind of property she wanted from the start - and it turned out she was unsure about her business plan, too. While she has the luxury of time and an extra $520,000 (thanks to her low-priced purchase) to let her business plan grow "organically", not everyone has that option.</li>
<li>
Be open to compromise From the beginning, Suzie was sure that she would know the property she wanted as soon as she saw it. We're not all so lucky - for most purchasers, some kind of compromise has to be made. Brian wasn't keen on the Mount Hawthorn home's 1930s exterior at first, but its internal layout won him over.</li>
</ol>
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Location Location Location: The important things in life

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On this week's episode of Location Location Location Australia, buyer's agents Bryce Holdaway and Veronica Morgan were tasked with helping out two young couples who knew exactly what they wanted.
The 26 year olds Steven and Amelia had already bought and sold one house, and with Steven a real estate agent they were familiar with Brisbane's property market.
First stop is a two storey weatherboard home in <a href="/news">Camp Hill </a>with three bedrooms, one bathroom and a modern kitchen. It's on the market for $550,000, giving the couple money to add an extra bedroom. The vendor, an investor, had just repainted the house's interior and redone the polished timber floors. Though Steven was initially skeptical of its position on the busy Stanley Road, the house was popular with Amelia, who loved the layout and the style of the home.
Next stop: <a href="/news">Carina</a>, where the couple currently reside. It was a bit further out, and the house Bryce guided them to wasn't to Amelia's taste, but it was much larger and had the full four bedrooms they were looking for. In addition to the main house's four bedrooms and two bathrooms, it came with a separate studio out the back. It was priced at $650,000 - right at the top of the couple's budget. But the couple weren't keen, so it was off to the next house.
The final home was in <a href="/news">Coorparoo</a>, bordering their dream suburb, Camp Hill. The restored Queenslander came with a massive backyard, three bedrooms and a new kitchen and bathroom. It was up for auction at $600,000 plus.  The couple were particularly keen on the character of the house, but it was clear - Steven's heart belonged to Stanley Road.
And so the couple put a bid on the home. It has previously been passed in at $520,000, and the price guide was at $550,000, so Steven gave the order to proceed with a $525,000 offer. However, they were with another buyer, who put in a $550,000 offer, and the selling agent advised Bryce that the property was likely to come off the market at $560,000.
The couple put in a $555,000 bid but were shot down by their competitors' $560,000 offer - more than Steven and Amelia were willing to pay for the home. However, all was not lost - the couple increased their budget by $20,000 and found an an even better home - a <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-camp+hill-116941751" target="_blank">modernised three bedroom Queenslander</a> in Camp Hill, pictured below.
<img src="/images/2014/09/12/1.jpg" alt="">
The new option has a $649,000 price guide, but Steven and Amelia weren't the only buyers interested in the home, with two other offers already made. Bryce, knowing the vendor had been recently stung by a buyer whose finance fell through, put in an offer of $672,000 - but with fully approved finance. It wasn't the highest offer put in on the house, but it played to the vendors' needs.
The tactic provides a useful lesson for those buying a house: remember that price isn't everything and find out as much about a vendor as you can.
Article continues on the next page. Please click below.
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
Veronica was also helping out a young couple: Sarah, Scott, and their baby.
Sarah and Scott, who have a passion for mid-century architecture and renovations, were after a three bedroom home with a view. They had a $850,000 budget, including renovations.
The couple had been living in Melbourne, but wanted to buy a house in Hobart after relocating back to Tasmania where they grew up.
Their first stop was a 1970s era brick home. It had a big backyard and a great view, but not as much room as the couple would like. However, it was offered at $460,000, which would give them plenty of money leftover for renovations. Neither is particularly impressed.
Next stop is <a href="/news">Howrah</a>, a beachside suburb. Right on the water, only 15 minutes from Hobart's centre. The second house was on a bigger block, and had three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Unfortunately, although it is a mid-century home, most of the character has been choked out of it by renovations. It had a price guide of $750,000, and a spectacular waterfront position, which captured the couple's attention.
But it wasn't enough to eclipse their bad feelings towards the house itself, which Scott would have to bulldoze before he was happy with the property.
So Veronica then took the couple to a larger 1950s brick home, which retained plenty of its original characteristics. From the front it had waterfront views, with an open plan living, dining and kitchen area at the front, and three bedrooms. The house, set on a 938 square metre plot, was on the market for $650,000 - so the couple would have money to update the home.
But despite its qualities, Scott still wasn't excited - and getting him to respond well to a house became the task of the episode. So Veronica and Bryce took them to a long, thin single storey 1960s modernist house, with a living room at one end, a rumpus at the other and three bedrooms in the middle. The 1,381 square metre battle-axe block had a price guide of $550,000, well under their budget.
Many of the original features of the home have been preserved and Scott was finally excited - but the roles were reversed, with Sarah a little apprehensive about the layout and plot shape, which means neighbours on all sides.
In the struggle between the two houses, Veronica suggested an independent source of information - an architect. As they planned to restore and renovate each home, adding on rooms if necessary, an architect was the best person to decide which was a more flexible option. And so, after consulting with an architect, the couple decided to go with the 1950s brick house with waterfront views.
Veronica then moved in with a $622,500 - $27,000 under the asking price - and managed to secure the Hobart house for Scott and Sarah.
Scott and Sarah's search showed the importance of a professional opinion. When hunting for a house, every friend, family member and passer buy will have an opinion on what, where and how you should buy. But for those who are unsure, and especially for those who are hoping to make changes to a house, it pays to get in a professional.
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Location Location Location: Know what you want (and what the vendor wants)

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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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House Rules' Carole and Russell offloading renovated home

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Auctioneer Damien Cooley will be selling Simon and Shannon's apartment on The Block Glasshouse, marking Cooley's sixth appearance on The Block.
This time, he's teaming up with Andrew McCann at Jellis Craig Bennison MacKinnon, a managing director at the agency.
Cooley was most recently seen on The Block Fans v Faves, where he auctioned Kyal and Kara's apartment. The pair won $565,250 after Cooley secured a $2.44 million price for their three storey Albert Park conversion. Kyal and Kara came third overall last season, after winners Steve and Chantelle, who sold their apartment for $2.47 million ($636,000 above the adjusted reserve) and twins Alisa and Lysandra, whose offering attracted a $2,375,000 bid ($616,000 above the reserve).
Tasmanian brothers Simon and Shannon will be hoping Cooley can repeat his performances on the second and sixth seasons of The Block, where he secured wins for Andrew and Jamie and Phil and Amity respectively.
Cooley's debut on The Block came in season two, when he auctioned the winning apartment. Andrew Rocheford and Jamie Nicholson's renovated manly apartment earned the then couple $78,000 plus an additional $100,000 winner's prize.
He returned for the show's third season, auctioning Mark and Duncan's renovated apartment. The duo made the lowest profit of any of the teams that season, with a $47,000 profit.
But Cooley improved greatly on that result with the sale of Phil and Amity's apartment in The Block All Stars.
The winning couple made a $295,000 profit when Cooley secured a $1.67 million bid for the two bedroom Bondi apartment.
Cooley also auctioned Matt and Kim's apartment on The Block Sky High, delivering a $1,205,000 million price for the couple, who took home a $250,000 profit.
The auctioneer is no stranger to television outside of The Block. He has also appeared on The Renovators, Under the Hammer, Hot Auctions and Selling Houses Australia.
All the teams on The Block Glasshouse have <a href="/expert-insights/building/karl-gillon-takes-on-his-third-televised-the-block-sales-campaign">secured agents</a> ahead of their 11 October auctions. Maxine and Karstan have already begun their marketing campaign, advertising their apartment on listing websites. Early in the season, the couple also discussed creating a marketing book for prospective buyers to thumb through on their way through the home.
Ray White agent Matt White has also been busy marketing Michael and Carlene's unit, with two private invitation only inspections. So far, 130 people have inspected the apartment.
White said the apartment received a positive response at the exclusive inspections.
"The inspections weren’t open to anyone, we selected serious buyers and investors, buyers agents and Ray White colleagues with active buyers in the area to view the property," said White.
The public will have a chance to see the apartments for themselves at a rather less exclusive event - the open for inspections. All five apartments will be open to the public on the weekend of 20 September and 21 September.
Picture courtesy of Channel 9.
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The Block's Simon and Shannon bring back auctioneer Damien Cooley

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The six bedroom Brighton home which accommodated the recent batch of Masterchef contestants on the Channel Ten competition, has been sold.
It was designed at 323 St Kilda Street by Peter Carmichael, and then constructed by Everclear.
<a href="https://www.marshallwhite.com.au/sold/323-st-kilda-street-brighton-7027769/" target="_blank">It was offered through Marshall White agent Michael Paproth</a>.
It comes with home cinema, play room, cellar, swimming pool, spa and gymnasium, security surveillance and garaging for six cars on an allotment measuring some 1,883 square metres.
The beach and the bay are at the end of the street.
It has been listed with $5 million plus expectations.
Fairfax Media speculate that it sold to Chinese buyers.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Masterchef Australia Brighton home base sold

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Last night's episode of Location Location Location Australia showed two couples who were struck with purchase paralysis. 
Buyer's agent Veronica Morgan was tasked with helping out salesman and soccer coach Gary and his wife Anna, who are keen to buy in Sydney's hills district and expand their living space after the arrival of a new baby.
Watching Sydney's prices skyrocket over the past few months but failing to find their dream home, their budget has moved up from $750,000 to $900,000 in just six months. 
The couple were hoping for a three bedroom brick home in Sydney's hills district, close to Anna's family, with room for outdoor entertaining. 
First, Veronica took the pair to Baulkham Hills, just five minutes' drive from Anna's sister's house. They inspected a four bedroom house with a $730,000 price guide. Though the home is a little small, Veronica had plenty of ideas for renovations which would open up the house's living spaces. 
But there were a few too many problems with the property, including pokey bedrooms and a lack of storage space. Despite its good location, Gary thought the required renovations would have the couple overcapitalising on the property. 
Next stop is the nearby Bella Vista in Sydney's north west, a location Garry and Anna were happy with. They inspect a four bedroom Mediterranean style home, with formal living and dining rooms at the front and a family lounge area at the back, and an open plan kitchen and dining area. With a price guide of $900,000, it sat right at the top of the couple's budget, but they wouldn't need to spend much money on renovations (beyond moving a few dodgy ornamental pillars).
The home is large, but Gary had reservations about the "dated" nature of the home, the tiled floor and the nearby road. He was comfortable with going over the $900,000 budget to get the perfect home, but Anna wasn't so sure. 
To help the couple get more for their budget, Veronica took them to Castle Hill, slightly further away from the CBD. The L shaped house they inspected there is set on 890 square metres, and listed with a price guide of $790,000 plus - well within their budget. It had four bedrooms, a big private garden and a barbecue area and deck.  
Gary and Anna responded well to the property and decided to proceed to auction - at first. 
Yet again, the couple got cold feet and eventually decided not to bid on the property, which ended up selling prior to auction. 
In the end, Gary and Anna decided that they simply weren't ready to buy a home yet, especially in the current market. The couple were happy to wait it out and stay in their current home until the market cooled down. 
Article continues on the next page. Please click below.
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Meanwhile, Bryce Holdaway was busy helping out management accountant Rachel and personal trainer Darryl, who were hunting for a home in Melbourne's inner west.
The couple lived in St Kilda but were hoping to cross over to Yarraville to be close to their friends. 
They've had trouble finding the confidence to make the final decision to purchase a home, despite months of research. And the longer they waited, the more cautious the couple had become. 
Despite being first home buyers, Rachel and Darryl had a budget of $820,000, thanks to a strong savings plan. They wanted a three bedroom house in Yarraville, on a large block. 
Bryce took them to look at an Edwardian weatherboard in Yarraville, close to the station and village, with three good sized bedrooms at the front of the house, an eat-in kitchen and a separate studio at the back of the house.
Like Gary and Anna's first prospective home, it needs a bit of work, but had a price guide of $620,000, well below their $820,000 budget. 
Darryl and Rachel had subdivisions on their mind, as part of their long term investment strategy. Unfortunately, though the first Yarraville home has the backyard they wanted, it's not big enough for a future subdivision. 
So Bryce pushed them a bit further out to Footscray, where there are plenty of character houses on bigger blocks. There, they inspected a double fronted cottage on a 420 square metre block, with side lane access - plenty of subdivision potential.
The cottage came with a price guide of $700,000 plus, and the couple are keen on the home's high ceilings and period features. Unfortunately, although the subdivision potential is attractive, the location compromise and the home's layout weren't to Darryl and Rachel's liking, so it was back to the drawing board for Bryce.
He tried again with a Newport home on a 290 square metre corner block (pictured below). The weatherboard cottage has three bedrooms - two at the front and one at the back. Its kitchen and bathroom have been renovated and are a decent size, and it came with a $730,000 price guide.
<img src="/images/2014/09/03/jas.jpg" alt=""> Despite their enthusiasm and stringent savings plan, the couple had stalled time and time again at the purchase point. With a strict idea of how they should use their hard earned savings, it looked like they were about to do the same with the Newport home, despite its advantages.
But after a second look, the couple feel ready to part with their cash and jump in. Unfortunately, despite finally letting go of their reservations and even building in a little bit of a buffer, they are outbid at auction, with <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-newport-116799911" target="_blank">the Newport home</a> snapped up for $829,000 by a competitor.
In March last year, the home was advertised to rent at $500 per week, equating to a 3.1% yield if rents have stayed constant.
Although they didn't secure the house, it seems that Bryce managed to bust through their buyer's block, with Rachel and Darryl determined to continue the search for a new home. 
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Location Location Location: Beating buyer's block

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Tonight's episode of Location Location Location Australia will see two couples who have forgotten the old adage: "Strike while the iron is hot".
Buyer's agent Veronica Morgan is assisting salesman and soccer coach Gary and his wife Anna, who are keen to buy in Sydney's hills district. They have a young baby, and are finding their current house pretty cramped after her arrival. 
The couple are finding it difficult to assess property values after watching Sydney's prices skyrocket over the past few months. As a result, in six months their budget has moved up from $750,000 to $900,000. 
Sydney's competitive market has left Gary and Anna lamenting their poor timing. They're hoping for a three bedroom brick home in Sydney's hills district, close to Anna's family, with room for outdoor entertaining. 
Meanwhile, Bryce Holdaway is helping out management accountant Rachel and personal trainer Darryl, who are hunting for a home in Melbourne's inner west. 
The couple live in <a href="/news">St Kilda</a> but are hoping to cross over to <a href="/news">Yarraville</a>, to be close to their friends. 
They've had trouble finding the confidence to make the final decision to purchase a home, despite months of research. And the longer they wait, the more cautious the couple becomes. 
Rachel and Darryl have a budget of $820,000, and want a three bedroom house in Yarraville, on a large block. This week, Bryce and Veronica will have to help the two couples take the final step into the property market, before they get left behind.
Location Location Location Australia airs Tuesday night at 8:30pm on the Lifestyle Channel.
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Location Location Location preview: Two couples with purchase paralysis

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Tonight's episode of Location Location Location Australia proves that relaxing retreats aren't always so relaxing to purchase.
Airing tonight at 8:30 on the Lifestyle Channel, the episode follows Veronica's efforts to help couple Julian and Nazreme, two correction officers.
The couple are looking for a rural property where they can raise their baby Lincoln close to his two half brothers in New South Wales' Camden.
They're after an "architecturally interesting" house with four or more bedrooms and two bathrooms, with a minimum of one acre of space. 
Their maximum budget of $1 million has Veronica doubting that they can get the rolling country estate they're after.
Meanwhile, Bryce is helping out serial renters Briony and Max, IT professionals who live in North Melbourne. The couple is after a sea change, and want to make their weekend getaways permanent. 
They're keen on Phillip Island, and are after a three to four bedroom house with plenty of outdoor space where they can entertain. Briony and Max don't mind a home they have to renovate, and they have a budget of $400,000. 
As always, tonight's episode promises to showcase the compromises buyers must make on their quest to find a new home.
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Location Location Location tonight: Semi-rural retreats

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Tuesday night's episode of Location Location Location saw two buyers toss up between the two values every property player holds dear: property and location.
Bryce spent the episode helping out Laura and Marcus from Melbourne. The retro loving couple have been together for almost 11 years and have a three year old son, Archie. 
Formerly restless, with 10 moves in 10 years, the couple were keen to put some roots down - preferably in <a href="/news">Altona North</a>, where they were renting. They required a two to three bedroom house, with a big backyard for Archie. But most importantly, Marcus needed a sizable garage for his latest acquisition - a 1971 Valiant Regal, which he is in the process of restoring.
Unfortunately, after two years of looking, they'd had no luck. With both Laura and Marcus working for not-for-profit organisations, they were on a tight budget of $540,000. 
Bryce's first move is a trip to <a href="/news">Seabrook</a>, a new suburb 15 minutes further out from the CBD from Altona North, in Melbourne's west. Laura was skeptical of the area from the very start, despite a good school within walking distance. The new build house they visited had an asking price of $470,000, well within the couple's budget, and had a covered entertaining area with a small grassy backyard for Archie and garage space for the Valiant.
Although the house itself had plenty of pros, the distance from the city was a big con, especially for Laura - and so it became apparent that for this couple, it really was all about location, location, location.
Next stop was Altona, <a href="/expert-insights/investing/julia-gillard-set-to-move-back-to-adelaide-but-not-leave-altona-imminently">the one-time home of Julia Gillard</a>. Bryce had found a single storey three bedder with a large loungeroom, dining anrea and kitchen, with plenty of space for Archie. The house, which needed a little work, was also offered at $470,000 and was set to go to auction.
He also tracked down a house very close to home, in Altona North. The three bedroom house with separate dining and a garage preserved the home's original 60s features (a big plus for Laura and Marcus), but was in the shadow of a large refinery - no doubt a factor in the home's relatively modest $520,000 asking price. Though the couple were keen, they decided in the end that the backyard view of the refinery wasn't for them.
In the end, Bryce brought Laura and Marcus to another Altona North home - this time, far away from the refinery. With three good sized bedrooms, a garage and a substantial backyard, the single storey brick home on a 535 square metre block ticked all the boxes. The vendor was after no less than $510,000, but Bryce put in a strategic unconditional offer of $501,000, which did the trick, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-altona+north-115977407">securing the home for Laura and Marcus</a> (pictured below).    
<img src="/images/2014/08/21/1.jpg" alt="">
Sydney sisters Jackie and Juliet found that house trumped location in their search for a home for Juliet. The sisters, originally from England, were hunting for a house for Juliet, with Veronica's help. Juliet has scoured the market for a house but is nervous about buying and hates auctions.
Five years on from the removal of a life-threatening brain tumour, she decided that it's finally time to settle down and get on with her life, and wanted to put down some roots. She was after a two bedroom home in an inner-western Sydney suburb with a village feel. She was keen on period homes, and dead set on a bath, with a $910,000 budget. 
Veronica first took the sisters to Luluville, a terrace cottage in <a href="/news">Rozelle</a> which dates back to the early 1900s. Outside, the home had a split level garden for entertaining, and was a snug fit. Jackie ruled that the home was too small, although it did fall within the budget, with a $800,000 price guide and a $850,000 plus estimate from Veronica. The sisters tossed up some renovation ideas, but couldn't figure out a price efficient way to make the house bigger.
Next they went to <a href="/news">Enmore</a>, where another terrace house offered a little more space. The solid double-brick home home made a good first impression for Juliet, and had original fireplaces. Currently occupied by tenants for another six months, the house had two bedrooms, a separate lounge and large eat in kitchen, with a $850,000 price tag. Unfortunately, with the auction only 48 hours after the sisters made the inspection, the home didn't make a strong enough impression to force them into action. 
The sisters also inspected a home in <a href="/news">Leichhardt</a>, another terrace. Unlike the other properties Juliet had walked through, this one had been renovated, with an extension upstairs. There was a "functional" backyard, a rather spartan, minimalist affair. Upstairs, the "spare room" was really a little mezzanine with a balcony, with no door but room for a single bed. According to Veronica, the questionable functionality of the upstairs spare room could just make the home's price attainable. It came with an $800,000 price guide.
Finally, the sisters travelled to <a href="/news">Erskineville</a>, only five kilometres from the city centre. The recently renovated home preserved some period features, with two upstairs bedrooms, and an open plan living and dining area downstairs, with a courtyard. However, the home had a small, galley style kitchen with limited storage - a major negative for Juliet. 
Vendors were accepting offers over $800,000 for the Erskineville home.
After some umming and ahhing, the sisters settled on Leichhardt, thanks to its good sized kitchen and small private balcony. Veronica put in a strong $850,000  bid after waiting til they arrived at the second week of the auction campaign, securing the home and saving Juliet from the dreaded auction process.
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