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

Joel Robinson

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

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

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

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

Kooyongkoot wins Gold and Silver at Better Future Melbourne Design Awards

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

The apartment price gap drawing Sydney buyers west

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

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

Renovation

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Cherie Barber, the TV renovation queen and founder of Renovating for Profit, has announced the five winners of this year’s Young Renovators Scholarship.
Tegan Fitzhardy (14), Liam Singer (14), Claudia Howlett (16), Rafi Licenblat (15) and Cooper Page (15) were selected out of hundreds of entrants from across Australia. They have been invited to join Cherie Barber and the RFP team at the next 3-day workshop in Sydney from 14-16 December and learn the ins and outs of how to buy and renovate property for profit.
This marks the second year of the Renovating for Profit Young Renovators Scholarship Program, which offers young people aged between 12 and 17 the opportunity to sit Cherie’s three-day bootcamp, 12 months mentoring from Renovating For Profit’s expert property coaches and a comprehensive homestudy kit containing over $37,000 worth of educational materials.
The image above is Cherie with the winners of the scholarship last year.
Cherie was inspired to establish the Young Renovators Scholarship Program in 2015 after then 12-year-old Akira Ellis attended a RFP training event with his father. Cherie immediately noticed Akira eagerly writing notes and learnt that he wanted to buy and renovate a property as soon as possible so she gifted him entry to her three-day workshop and personally mentored him throughout his first renovation project.
“There are so many young people like Akira who want to learn about property investing and how to turn bricks and mortar into tangible profits; especially with current property trends. Akira and last year’s winners have already completed successful renovations using the knowledge they acquired through the bootcamp and are well are on the way to building profitable property portfolios. I’m so excited for this year’s winners and look forward to helping them become successful renovators too,” says Cherie.
The five winners will be joining Cherie and the Renovating for Profit team at the next three-day event to be held at the International Convention Centre Sydney on 14-16 December.
 
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Cherie Barber announces Young Renovators Scholarship winners

A restored Cobbitty cottage featured on the popular Selling Houses Australia TV show was one of the best renovation sale outcomes on the recent series.&nbsp;

The Foxtel Lifestyle team are now looking for another 13 fixer-uppers with one already earmarked for Campwin Beach in Mackay, Queensland.

The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-cobbitty-122899102" target="_blank">restored Cobbitty cottage</a> featured in the recent season of Selling Houses Australia sold quickly after its renovation.

Vendor Maree Kovac&nbsp;enlisted the help of the Selling Houses team after not getting the price she wanted for the home when she listed it for five months last year.

Kovac was asking $778,000 to $865,000 for the unrenovated home that she bought for $349,500 in 2002.

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The inspectees at the mid-2016 open for inspections were advised to come back once the renovation of the three bedroom home was undertaken by&nbsp;property expert Andrew Winter, the landscaper Charlie Albone and interior designer Shaynna Blaze.

A rotting veranda had wrapped the dilapidated 1880s cottage that once stood alone overlooking the rolling hills of the Macarthur region.

Seriously deteriorated, the front of the home was completely overgrown.

Albone&#39;s work saw him remove the rotting veranda and reconstruct a new one using Cyprus pine.

The home was painted from its baby blue to a grey and a bright red front door.

Blaze, who focuses on the interior, added polypropylene plastic tiles, adding &#39;Alice in Wonderland&#39; style flooring to the kitchen which featured a new wooden bench top and sink.

The rooms were dressed&nbsp;in a French Provincial style, adding additional character and charm.

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United Acreage Tanya Novek sold the three bedroom, two bathroom home &#39;immediately&#39; after the renovation for $835,000.

The popular Foxtel Lifestyle show, which dispenses advice on the&nbsp;property&#39;s sellability, has regularly won ASTRA Awards for Most Outstanding Lifestyle Program and Viewer&#39;s Favourite Program, as well as often being the highest rated Lifestyle Channel series.

This article first appeared in the Sunday Telegraph.

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Top outcome for restored Cobbitty cottage from Selling Houses Australia

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No one should underestimate how home improvements contribute to Sydney's rising residential prices.
We are going through a renovation boom, with time poor buyers willing to pay extra if the renovation is completed to a high standard.
Rather than undertaking the work themselves, strong demand is being shown by buyers for quality renovations completed, valuers Herron Todd White have advised.
They note the popularity of renovation shows on television, sees more and more people jumping on board.
Channel 7’s The Aussie Property Flippers program recently featured a Tamarama property. The small Fletcher Street two bedroom, one bathroom unit was purchased in early 2016 for $780,000. With a renovation cost of around $80,000, the 58 sq m property sold last December for $1.065 million. 
In Sydney’s CBD a one bedroom, one bathroom unit with car space in a converted heritage Clarence Street building was purchased in early 2016 for $710,000.
After full renovation to a high standard it sold in April for $1.13 million. 
There has been limited flipping within the prestige market but one was in Bellevue Hill where $3.9 million was paid in 2015 and $5.75 million secured recently after what HTW noted was "a good quality cosmetic renovation,. 
Agents says sellers across Sydney who've undertaken very basic renovations are not doing as well as those who undertake more extensive renovations.  
But HTW warn one of the biggest mistakes renovators can make is to over capitalise.
"This is more common in suburbs with lower price points where even minor blowouts in budgets can result in an over capitalisation," their June report advised.
"The best way to ensure this doesn’t occur is look at any examples of the end product that have sold in the local area.
"If sales of renovated properties are within a certain price point it will give you a target and assist your budget to ensure the project will stack up." 
Success was secured at a Smithfield property purchased in original but poor condition in early 2016 for $575,000.
The property was fully renovated, slightly extended and reconfigured to include an additional fourth bedroom and bathroom.
It then sold in March for $860,000.
With the renovation carried out correctly to meet market demand in the area, the success represented a 50 percent value increase in just over 12 months, albeit HTW noted that overall market growth had a big part to play.
The strong market conditions over the past few years has certainly been a major factor in not only the profits made but also lifting the confidence of the people undertaking these renovations. 
There aren't just the flippers of course. 
There have been increased number of frustrated home owners seeking to add value to their current properties rather than upgrading amid the recent price surge and listings shortage.
This article first appeared in the Daily Telegraph.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Flipping success across Sydney comes from matching market needs

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Serial renovators Dea and Darren Jolly, stars of two series of Channel 9 show, The Block, are back at it again.
They picked up the keys on Thursday to a charming unrenovated Sorrento cottage on Melbourne's pricey Mornington Peninsula coastal playground.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/01/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-01%20at%2012.46.05%20PM.png" alt="">
It sold for $1.8 million through Sotheby's International agents Rob Curtain and Danielle Vains.
Dea's instragram has been peppered veiled references to the beach house acquisition including plans by Jane Merrylees, her architect, showing the proposed day bed on the verandah that looks out towards Port Phillip Bay with just a glimse of blue waters.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/01/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-01%20at%2012.46.48%20PM.png" alt="">
The character-filled 1900 four bedroom residence boasts an array of traditional features including a wrap-around porch, impressive 3.5m-high ceilings, fretwork, sash windows and more. There are two original fireplaces one in the lounge room and another in the kitchen.
"There is enormous potential to renovate and create a truly exceptional period home or rebuild to capture stunning water views from across the road," the marketing suggested with it just moments from the sand and bay trail track.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/01/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-01%20at%2012.47.35%20PM.png" alt="">
The purchase comes six months after they pocketed a nice gain from the sale of their Kew East rebuild with $2.908 million.  
They'd spent a year and about $1 million rebuilding their 1920s Kew East California bungalow after purchasing it in a rundown state for $1.395 million in June last year.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/01/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-01%20at%2012.48.14%20PM.png" alt="">
The renovation landed the Jollys in court with the couple’s building and design company DJJ Promotions placed, without conviction, on a two-year good behaviour bond by the Melbourne Magistrates Court.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/01/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-01%20at%2012.48.48%20PM.png" alt="">
Dea and Dazza's acquisition is a side show to the main event, when the latest series in Elsternwick start filming this week.
Much like the former Swans and Pies ruckman Darren, Aussie model Elyse Knowles is understood to have been enlisted as a celebrity contender for the new season.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/01/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-01%20at%2012.49.26%20PM.png" alt="">
Sydney Confidential understands Elyse will be renovating with her partner Josh Barker, however the couple won't be holed up with the other contestants for the full two months of filming at the Melbourne job site.
After several seasons of renovations in apartment blocks, the series will involve restoring houses that have been relocated to the suburban street. 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/01/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-01%20at%2012.50.06%20PM.png" alt="">
The holding was once set to become a school, but neighbours including comedian Gina Riley, famous for Kath and Kim, campaigned against it.
Five time winner Sydney auctioneer Damien Cooley hasn't been signed up quite yet for the auctions later this year.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/01/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-01%20at%2012.50.55%20PM.png" alt="">
Channel 9 will then be staying in Melbourne for its 2018 series too having purchased the infamous Gatwick Hotel on the seedy Fitzroy Street, St Kilda strip.
The Spanish Mission 64 room hotel cost around $15 million with the Block in the process of relocating its permanent occupants.
This article first appeared in the Daily Telegraph.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

The Block's Dea and Darren Jolly buy in Sorrento

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Lana Taylor has been busy unpacking.
The dynamic <a href="https://www.threebirdsrenovations.com/" target="_blank">Three Birds</a> renovation team member - and wife of the recently sacked West Tigers coach, Jason Taylor - has the onerous, but joyous task on completing the team's sixth house.
Lana describes the home conversion as from a tired terracotta Tuscan villa into "modern white on white Mediterranean style home."
Rather than a home ready to be onsold, this time the lower north shore rebuild was her own abode - indeed it's Lana and Jason's "forever home."
It's the sixth home reno the Three Birds trio - made up of Lana Taylor, Erin Cayless and Bonnie Hindmarsh - have undertaken in the last few years.
They've only done flipping houses previously. 
The recent extensive makeover of the three level Northbridge home - being documented through the team's threebirdsrenovations.com website featuring a YouTube television series made especially for realestate.com.au - was a break on their buy, renovate and sell routine.
Lana said it's a "surreal feeling" and feels like she is "the lucky one because she gets to live in it."
Most of the Three Birds success has come from The Hills District, where they have made nice profits on houses in Northmead, Castle Hill and most recently Baulkham Hills last last year.
The team started when Bonnie called Lana and asked if she wanted to renovate houses with her.
Lana, who previously spent 15 years marketing global brands like Dove and Cover Girl, responded by suggesting she had never renovated anything in her life, however she had been watching The Block and it inspired her to buy some new cushions.
The trio have honed their combined talents, with Bonnie in charge of creative design and Erin who is in charge of logistics.
Despite structurally being the biggest home task the team had taken on, the Northbridge home was completed it double quick time.
"Most people were surprised as they thought it would take 12-18 months," Lana said on the project, which took just six months to finish.
The quick renovation was helped by builders and tradies keenly turning up every day, she said.
It was custom designed including having just the three bedrooms "rare for a three level home nowadays, but with just the two children and pet parrot, three bedrooms was enough." 
There's also extensive office space and divine terrace on the top level in the master retreat.
"It's a lovely time in our lives to have a beautiful home to appreciate," Lana told me.
Lana met Jason after he retired from rugby league in 2001, spending a brief one year stint with the Eels.
She moved in to the Northbridge home soon after Jason finished playing and shared the home with Jason and his mother.
Jason had been Mosman based before spending $845,000 on the Northbridge home in 1998 while he was at the North Sydney Bears.
He doubled his money on his two bedroom Mosman apartment, selling for $745,000 after paying $336,000 in 1993, just before he joined The Bears.
This article first appeared in the Daily Telegraph.
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Three Birds' latest renovation project a keeper

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The Atrium at Greenwood Plaza in North Sydney has received a makeover by architecture firm The Buchan Group.
Completed in March 2016, the Atrium has been transformed into a modern casual dining precincts in the area. 
The Buchan Group senior associate Malou Ellis said the initial design concept was inspired by the stoma cell, incorporating discrete, varied zones to offer relief and contrast from the pace and rigid structure of the North Sydney business district.
“The design approach was driven by the fast-paced demographic of the broad clientele. It was imperative to ensure the space responded to the varied target market,” she said.
“The herringbone pattern zig zags throughout the space leaving its mark and each colour plunges around a zone, enveloping scattered pieces of furniture which zooms up an edge of a vertical panel, and wraps around a column.”
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/02/22/TheAtrium.jpg" alt="">
 <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/02/22/TheAtrium2.jpg" alt=""> 
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The Atrium in North Sydney gets a new look, courtesy the Buchan Group

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Unlike a kitchen or bathroom renovation that depreciates over time, a garden will grow in value as it becomes more established with each passing year, according to Secret Agent’s latest bulletin.
They suggested their top 5 reasons why you should renovate your garden before your kitchen or bathroom.
1. Add up to 18% to your home value
Gardens are highly valued amongst homebuyers.
Inner Melbourne properties with notable landscaped gardens can sell for 18% more than those without, especially if the property is located in a suburb where greenery and space is scarce.
2. Maintain physical health
Being healthy generally means eating well and exercising more. Gardens can help improve both of these aspects.
By dedicating an area of your garden to a veggie patch, you can grow your own organic vegetables.
Gardening is also a good form of exercise as it forces us to ditch the sedentary life on the couch.
The more we move and use our body now, the better quality of life we will maintain as we age. Gardening is especially good for keeping our hands agile and strong.
3. Keep a healthy brain
A longitudinal study on almost 3000 Australian men and woman found that daily gardening reduced the risk of dementia by 36%.
Another study found this risk reduction was as much as 47%.
4. Become happier
Not only does gardening make you relax, it will also brighten your mood. Soil contains a microbe which has been shown to have antidepressant properties in humans.
This bacteria is absorbed into our bloodstream via inhalation or ingestion on vegetables and results in increased levels of serotonin- the feel good hormone.
A lack of serotonin has been linked to increased anxiety, depression and a variety of other mental health issues.
5. The benefits of biophilia
The natural bond humans have with living systems is explained by the biophilia hypothesis, coined by E. O. Wilson.
Connecting with nature sets into motion processes deep within the body that make us mentally and physically stronger.
Numerous studies have shown that hospital patients who see greenery outside their window recover faster than those who face a brick wall.
Due to technology, we are spending more time away from nature than ever before.
Building up a beautiful garden to maintain will allow you to reconnect with nature and receive all of these benefits.
For more information go to: <a href="https://secretagent.com.au/" target="_blank">https://secretagent.com.au/</a>
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Five reasons to renovate your garden before the kitchen or bathroom

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<div class="tg-tlc-storybody_intro">Former Block contestants Dan Reilly and Dani Wales have listed Seddon House after two years of restoration.</div>
<div class="tg-tlc-storybody_intro"> </div>
<div class="tg-tlc-storybody_intro">
<div class="tg-tlc-storybody_intro">A price guide of $1.1 million plus has been given to the now three bedroom home that was previously an untouched Victorian. </div>
<div class="tg-tlc-storybody_intro"> </div>
<div class="tg-tlc-storybody_intro">The couple paid $462,000 for the home after filming concluded for The Block All Stars season in mid-2013. </div>
<div class="tg-tlc-storybody_intro"> </div>
<div class="tg-tlc-storybody_intro">It <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-seddon-123982822" target="_blank">now features a modern two-storey extension</a> clad in timber at the rear.</div>
<div class="tg-tlc-storybody_intro"> </div>
<div class="tg-tlc-storybody_intro">An open plan living an dining area spill onto an out door deck.</div>
<div class="tg-tlc-storybody_intro"> </div>
<div class="tg-tlc-storybody_intro"><img src="/images/2016/11/14/Seddon%202.jpg" alt="" width="551" height="341"></div>
<div class="tg-tlc-storybody_intro"> </div>
<div class="tg-tlc-storybody_intro">Their renovation, including updating the Victorian facade, has come at a cost of around $400,000. They have lived in the home for nearly a year.</div>
<div class="tg-tlc-storybody_intro"> </div>
<div class="tg-tlc-storybody_intro">Gerard Hannah and Marty Rankin at Villa Real Estate Seddon have set an auction date of November 26.</div>
<div class="tg-tlc-storybody_intro"> </div>
<div class="tg-tlc-storybody_intro"><img src="/images/2016/11/14/Seddon%201.jpg" alt="" width="550" height="338"></div>
<div class="tg-tlc-storybody_intro"> </div>
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</div>
<div class="tg-tlc-storybody_intro">The couple competied on the 2012 and 2013 series of the show but Dan, a carpenter by trade, returned last year as a partner to 'Foreman' Keith.</div>
<div class="tg-tlc-storybody_intro"> </div>
<div class="tg-tlc-storybody_intro">He himself was known as 'Foredan'.</div>
<div class="tg-tlc-storybody_intro"> </div>
<div class="tg-tlc-storybody_intro">They also run design and construction company Red Door Project.</div>
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Seddon House, renovated by former Blockheads Dan and Dani, hits the market 

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Hipages, Australia’s website for finding and hiring trusted tradies, has partnered with the Housing Industry Association (HIA), whose membership builds over 85 percent of all new residential detached, medium density and high rise construction work and undertakes over 80 percent of renovations in Australia.  
The new partnership will see HIA members having their membership visible on their hipages profile, indicating to customers which qualified trade and building professionals are registered with the HIA, as well as access to over 90,000 hipages’ monthly job requests.
“We’re thrilled to start working closely with the HIA team,” said Gideon Kline, Chief Commercial Officer of hipages. 
With over $1.35 billion worth of jobs processed annually, hipages has helped over 1.1 million Australians get projects done around the home, helping homeowners find professionals that are ready and available to do the job while providing tradies with tools to easily manage their workflow and grow their business.
Customers have access to more than 80,000 trade and building professionals, providing a simple platform to see reviews, contact businesses directly and get quotes within minutes.
“Technology is shaping the industry and with thousands of local recommendations and real time information at your fingertips, getting help and finding work has never been easier,” said Kline.
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Property 101: hipages partners with the HIA

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The Block renovation show, now in its 12th season, debuted last night.
Starting half an hour earlier than Ten's Australian Survivor, The Block attracted 1.074 million metro viewers, the third most-watched show of the night.
The debut episode of Australian Survivor drew 784,000 metro viewers.
Its tribal council peaked at 1.2 million viewers, the fifth most-watched show of the night behind 60 Minutes.
Seven's last night Rio Olympics coverage and the ABC's Grand Designs New Zealand were also in the Top 10 programs of Sunday.
Seven's heavily promoted Zumbo's Just Desserts debuts tonight, airing at 7.30pm in direct competition with both The Block and Australian Survivor.
 
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