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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356818]

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.

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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."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=5374]

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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Victoria couple Claire and Hagan have the smallest house in the Channel 7 House Rules history on the Mornington Peninsular.
They have a mortgage of $269,000 on the one-bedroom home described as a "shoe-box" by the owner.
Claire and Hagan have been engaged for two years and renovated the front of an old shop three years ago for a salon for hairdresser Claire. 
“I’ve worked really hard to build up my business and we spent all of our savings renovating the salon,” she says.
With the help of some mate, Hagan did all of the renovation which took about four months.
“We love what we have done to it, but we haven’t done anything to the actual house,” Hagan said.
<img src="/images/2016/06/09/Screen%20Shot%202016-06-09%20at%2012.38.47%20PM.png" alt="">
 
The couple have no money to spend on the rest of the house they share with their two daughters, Matilda, four, and Darcy, two.
They all share the same window-less bedroom along with their Great Dane Cleo, while Claire’s mum spends a couple of nights a week on the couch to help babysit while they’re at work.
“We have five rooms in one,” explains Claire.
“Our lounge room, dining, rumpus, kitchen and laundry.
"We really need extra room for the girls.”
Hagan said that he worries about their future.
“We’re saving and saving and we still haven’t saved enough to renovate.
"It’s breaking us really.”
While Claire admits she loves that their home is “weird”, she isn’t such a fan of the mould.
"It got a bit mouldy last winter and I was starting to worry we were going to get sick from it.” 
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The first couple on 2016's House Rules were Fil and Joe, who have a 1950's weatherboard house in Melbourne.
The second house transformed on air on this seasons House Rules was South Australian parents Michelle and Brooke.
The third house renovated on this year's House Rules series was Team NSW Nancy and Daniel, who's rundown 60's house lies halfway between their parent's homes.
The fourth house reveal on this year's Channel 7 House Rules series was Luke and brother Cody, the former owning a country cottage in Queensland.
Their appearance on House Rules is the longest period of time Australian Navy logistics officer Rob and his wife Rose have spent together in the last five years.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Claire and Hagan have smallest home in House Rules history

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

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The third house renovated on this year's House Rules series was Team NSW Nancy and Daniel, who's rundown 60's house lies half way between their parent's homes.
Their south Sydney home which they settled on four years ago has a mortgage of $500,000.
When it came to choosing their home, its dire condition nearly scared them away.
"When we first walked in, we went, 'oh no, no' and we walked out," Nancy said.
"But then we came back," added Dan, after realising its potential.
Three years later and no renovations started, the couple were considering selling the house before being accepted onto the show.
“We were in the process of deciding whether we were going to actually go ahead and renovate, or if we were going to detonate and rebuild or sell, so we were tossing all of that up at the same time," Dan said.
"We were leaving it up to fate."
 
<img src="/images/2016/Screen%20Shot%202016-06-01%20at%208.36.35%20AM.png" alt="">
Above, Daniel and Nancy's House Rules.
The couple have two kids, Jonathan, six, and Sophia, three, and didn't want to take time away from them renovating the home.
“We were going to renovate in stages and that would have taken so much of our time away from our children with every weekend spent on planning and renovating, so I really feel like this buys us 20 years with our children,” Nancy said.
They have a lot of concerns with the house, like dampness in the roof, poor layout and just being plain old and worn out..
Wanna-be house proud Dan shies away from inviting people over because of the state of their home.
“The reason we have applied for House Rules is because if someone is coming over Dan says, ‘Have they seen the house before? How long will they stay? Do they have to come over? Why can’t we go to their house?’ ” said Nancy.
A can-do attitude is what will see this pair through, who have limited hands-on experience in renovating.
“I wouldn’t call myself a renovator, not even a handyman,” says Dan.
The first couple on 2016's House Rules were Fil and Joe, who have a 1950's weatherboard house in Melbourne.
The second house transformed on air on this seasons House Rules was South Australian parents Michelle and Brooke.
 
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Nancy and Daniel's family more important than condition of House Rules homes

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

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Painting the walls of your home is a great way to freshen up your living space, and add value to your home at the same time.  
Hiring a professional painter means you’ll have an impeccable finish, save you loads of time and means you won’t have to deal with the mess. But it can be an expensive exercise, and may not fit in your budget. If you’re thinking about a DIY paint job, we’ve got some tips to get you painting like a pro.
1. It’s all about the prep
All of the painting pros know that the most important part of a great paint job happens before the paintbrushes come out. To start with, fill any holes in your walls with a filler, and smooth over with a filling knife. Then, use sandpaper to give your surfaces a good sanding, ridding your wall of imperfections and ensuring it is smooth. The next step is to remove dust and dirt from the wall by cleaning the surface with a damp cloth – sugar soap is great for this – and let it dry. The cleaning process is important, because you want your paint to grip to the wall, not dust particles, giving you a smoother finish.    
2. Watch the weather
Yep, believe it or not, mother nature can impact your paint job. If the air in the room where you’re painting is warm and dry, your paint will dry more quickly and consistently. If it’s cold in your room, use a heater to warm the air, and a fan to push the air throughout the room. Humidity is your enemy – it will delay the drying process – however using a fan in the room during and after your paint job will assist with keeping humidity levels low. If the paint is taking longer than four hours to dry, try using a dehumidifier. Make sure you check your paint tin for directions on paint performance and drying times.
3. Use a canvas drop cloth
As tempting as it is to get an old sheet from the linen cupboard, make the effort to borrow or buy a canvas drop cloth to cover your floors or carpet; bed sheets won’t stop paint spills from seeping through to your flooring. ‘What about plastic sheets?’ you might be saying to yourself… While doing a good job of protecting your floors, they prevent paint from drying quickly, and you’ll be bound to step in your spills and spread paint everywhere.  
4. Splurge for the blue tape 
It’s important to tape edges where you don’t want paint to cross, such as the tops of skirting board and door handles. Masking tape can do the job, but the blue painter’s tape will do the job better – with less chance of leaking as well as not leaving a sticky reside that can be annoying to clean off afterwards. To create a good seal and prevent bleeding, use a putty knife to press over the tape. It’s often not worth your while to tape windows – just paint somewhat carefully and use a razor blade to scrape paint spills off the glass when you’re finished. Paint should come off glass easily, and this process is often a lot easier and quicker than taping the window in the first place. 
5. Boxing, without gloves
If you’re painting a big surface, you will probably require more than one paint tin, and often the colour can slightly vary from one tin to another. Painters use a process called ‘boxing’ to prevent this – pouring all of paint from multiple tins into one big bucket to ensure a consistent colour from the first wall to the last. Make sure you give the bucket a good stir with a long stick that reaches the bottom, and you’re all set for an even colour.   
6. 1200 techniques 
Everyone has their own painting techniques that they swear by – chat to your family and friends about their own painting experiences or you can find loads of tips online. Some people prefer to use rollers, others spray; it may take a couple of times before you work out what suits you and your space best. However, good painting technique always begins from top to bottom – starting with the ceiling, cornices and moving on to walls, doors and window frames. Starting with the ceiling means that it won’t matter too much if paint runs down the walls – you can paint over this later – and it’s a good idea to use googles for eye protection (we all know what happened to Michelangelo).     
7. Don’t skip the clean up! 
If you’re not planning to paint ever again and hate the environment, you can ignore this section and just wrap all of your painting gear in the canvas drop cloths and throw them away in a colourful heap. But for everyone else – and hopefully that is everyone – make sure you take the time to clean your equipment properly so that it’s good for you and your family and friends to use next time. Use warm water and soap to wash your brushes (hot water can cause the bristles to fall out), wiping off excess paint and squeezing the bristles with a cloth. Be patient, it will take multiple ‘rinse and repeats’. Store your brushes in newspaper or cloth. With your rollers, use detergent and warm water to lather and rinse paint off. Once the roller is clean and dry, wrap in plastic wrap and store vertically so the roller does not flatten. To rid brushes and rollers of oil-based paint, soak in paint thinner (in a well ventilated room) overnight before the usual rinsing process. 
Ready to get painting? Perhaps the best tip of all is to drag all of your friends to your house to help. Reward them with food and beverages and it can be a really fun way to spend a weekend. 
 For more information, click <a href="https://www.homestart.com.au" target="_blank">here</a>.
 
 
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Property 101: Seven tips to paint like a pro

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The latest renovation series House Rules debuted last night with a 718,000 metro audience, finishing the night in 10th most watch show.
The new season of House Rules has a lot of heart, says host Johanna Griggs.
The fourth series of the reality renovation show features five sets of parents hoping to secure a better future for their children to wipe their mortgage. 
Each week, the six teams must renovate the interiors of each other's homes.
The home owners aren't allowed to work on their own properties, and instead must leave their set of house design rules for their competitors to carry out.
With little to no previous renovation or interior design experience, the House Rules teams have a steep learning curve, she said. 
House Rules on Channel 7 continues tonight with first up the renovation of the house of Fil and Joe from Melbourne, with their five design rules below.
The finale of Nine’s controversial dating show Married at First Sight was watched by 1.048 million metro viewers, airing from 7:30pm to 9:30pm, up on its season launch which drew 771,000 metro viewers, but down on last year’s finale, which attracted 1.290m metro viewers.
The season-ender is the only episode during season two which broke the 1m audience mark, mumbrella reported.
 
<a href="/images/2016/04/28/ChCl98JUUAAO0qv.jpg-large.jpeg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
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House Rules returns with renovation of Fil and Joe house in Melbourne

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The two time Block renovation contestants, Dea and Darren Jolly have been working for their first big commercial project away from the show.
"Renovating our first house, and then competing in two back-to-back series of the television renovating competition The Block, my husband, Darren, and I experienced a fast and intense initiation into the world of building and renovating," she told Fairfax Media.
She said their learning curve was very steep.
"Building, renovating and real estate are our passions.
"By the end of the second series and Darren’s subsequent registration as a builder, we felt well prepared to tackle our own projects with our design-andconstruct business, D+D Home."
It is the renovation and extension of a California bungalow in Kew.
She has compiled a checklist of points crucial in the success of our projects that complement the usual checklists available
1. Create a decorating file.
Having a clear picture of what you want to achieve with a file for every room will not only help you to stay focused while making so many decisions, but will also give you something to refer to when describing your style to tradesmen and suppliers.
2. Get at least three quotes for every element of the build.  
3. Be realistic about renovation costs. Factor in that everything will cost about 30 per cent more and take 25 percent longer than expected.  
4. Keep receipts. Be vigilant about keeping every receipt for any future returns, warranty claims and tax purposes.
5. Be nice to everyone. Treating your tradies with respect will help you to achieve a better result.
6. Trust your instinct. It’s your home – do what you love. 
7. Map it out. Get your tape measure and a can of spray paint out and measure and mark out everything on the floor. 
8. Be on site as much as possible. 
9. Accept that it will be stressful. 
10. Take pictures. 
11. Pick a friend and a source of inspiration to refer back to. 
Pic courtesy of Domain.
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The Block's Dea Jolly's 11 top renovation tips

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The return of Nine’s renovation reality program Reno Rumble secured disappointing results - with less than half the audience of its 2015 debut last year.
Just 395,000 metro viewers tuned in on its Monday night debut, which compared to <a href="https://mumbrella.com.au/reality-tv-winter-schedule-masterchef-reno-rumble-house-rules-seven-nine-ten-simulcasting-debut-head-to-head-291814" target="_blank">873,000 last year across Nine and Gem</a>.
It finished fourth in the 7.30 timeslot behind Seven’s My Kitchen Rules, which managed an audience of 1.462 million, ABC’s 7.30 (778,000) watching Leigh Sales and the PM Malcolm Turnbull, and Ten’s All Star Family Feud which was watched by 674,000 metro viewers.
MKR was the most watched show of the evening and also the most-watched program across the key advertising demographics (16-39, 18-49 and 25-54) according to OzTAM overnight metro ratings.
On its second night the audience rose to 453,000 but still well behind MKR on 1.41 million, the 7.30 Report on 679,000 and Bondi Rescue on Channel 10 at 540,000.
<a href="https://theblock2016.castasugar.com/" target="_blank">Applications closed last week, March 14</a> for contestants on the next series of The Block to be filmed at Port Melbourne.
Filming appears scheduled for May with it going to air in late 2016 possibly.
But media analyst Steve Allen, managing director of Fusion Strategy, told Fairfax Media the host of both shows, Scott Cam "must be reeling."
"They're destroying his career. Unfortunately, it's going to taint Scott and Shelley's (Craft) reputation."
Nine intended to screen Reno Rumble on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesday in the crucial 7.30pm time slot until otherwise rescheduled.
The series also sees original judges Darren Palmer and Romy Alwill replaced by Scottish interior decorators Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan.
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Rumble crumbles with the next The Block applicants under consideration

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Architect Conrad Johnston and his wife Katrina have sold their Balmain home.
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-balmain-121742926" target="_blank">Stewart Place home</a> was a 100 year old worker’s cottage before its 2009 makeover.
Set on a sloping 241sq m block, the Fox Johnston architects director bought the property for $860,000 in 2006 then added a modern open-plan extension.
The original cottage now contains three bedrooms overlooking gardens ­designed by Daniel Baffsky from 360 Degrees Landscape.
On the second level there is a bedroom with ensuite and an adjoining study.
The interiors have green walls and an internal atrium.
The home sold ahead of its weekend auction having been listed with a price guide of $2.4 million to $2.5 million through Cobden &amp; Hayson agent Peter Gordon, with it selling at $2.5 million plus.
This article was first published in the Sunday Telegraph.
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Fox Johnston Balmain workers cottage reno snapped up pre-auction

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With this year's television program The Block ending, here is a list compiled of the most successful and unsuccessful scores on The Block since the show started.

The highest scorers from this year's judging were Kingi and Carlo, but how did they fare against previous years?

35. Polly and Waz - Cameron Street, Richmond.

34. Mike and Andrew - Dorcas Street, South Melbourne

33. Amie and Katrina - Cameron Street, Richmond

32. Dan and Dani - Dorcas Street, South Melbourne

31. Tim and Anatasia - Triple Threat - Lowest room score in history (eight out of 30 for their study and staircase)

30. Rod and Tania - Cameron Street, Richmond

29. Dan and Dani - All Stars

28. Brad and Lara - Dorcas Street, South Melbourne

27. Josh and Jenna - Cameron Street, Richmond

26. Mark and Duncan - All Stars

25. Andrew and Whitney - Blocktagon.

24. Luke and Ebony - Blocktagon.

23. Chris and Jenna - Glasshouse

22. Dale and Sophie - Dorcas Street, South Melbourne

21. Josh and Jenna - All Stars

20. Chantelle and Steve - Fans v Faves

19. Ayden and Jess - Triple Threat

18. Suzi and Vonni - Blocktagon

17. Phil and Amity - All Stars

16. Darren and Diane - Triple Threat

15. Alisa and Lysandra - Fans v Faves

14. Madi and Jarrod - Sky High

13. Dean and Shay - Blocktagon

12. Trixie and Johnno - Sky High

11. Bec and George - Sky High

10. Josh and Charlotte - Triple Threat

9. Karstan and Max - Glasshouse

8. Kyal and Kara - Fans v Faves

7. Brad and Dale - Fans v Faves

6. Alisa and Lysandra - Sky High

5. Matt and Kim - Sky High

4. Shannon and Simon - Glasshouse

3. Darren and Deanna - Glasshouse

2. Kingi and Carlo - Blocktagon

1. Michael and Carlene - Glasshouse

With four properties in the top 10, the Glasshouse had the strongest average whereas the weakest judging scores came at Cameron Street, Richmond. 

We will no doubt get a bunch of newbie contestants next year, for Fairfax Media to further dwell on, though there's no indication yet that another site has been selected for another series.

<h2>Recently listed properties:</h2>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22699]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2929]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3783]
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