Melbourne developer Spacious Group has completed Voyage Altona, one of the closest new apartment developments to Altona Beach.

Off the plan purchasers have started moving into the 49-apartment project on Pier Street, with the remaining move-in-ready one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments starting from just over $500,000.

Display apartments have now been fitted out, allowing prospective buyers to inspect the completed residences by appointment.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112195 project_image_fid=372638]

The completed apartments feature open-plan living and dining areas which extend onto private balconies and terraces, while full-height glazing maximises natural light throughout the interiors.&nbsp;

Hybrid timber-look flooring, stone benchtops, Miele appliances, porcelain-tiled bathrooms and generous storage feature throughout the building which also features landscaped communal areas, expansive shared terraces, lift access and secure on-grade parking.

Drawing inspiration from its bayside setting, Voyage adopts a restrained palette of warm neutral tones and textured finishes. Many of the apartments take advantage of views across Port Phillip Bay, while the indoor-outdoor living spaces have been designed to make the most of the coastal outlook.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112195 project_image_fid=3286]

Voyage was developed to address what Spacious Group identified as an undersupply of higher-quality apartment product in Altona, with a focus on owner-occupiers looking to remain within the bayside community.

"Voyage responds to very strong local buyer demand for quality, owner-occupier-focused product," says Barry Plant Projects Director Jarrod Farey, who has handled sales since the project's launch.

"The project delivers an elevated lifestyle proposition, with its design and quality of finish far exceeding anything previously produced in the area, as well as its proximity to Pier Street Village and the beach."

The majority of purchasers have been local downsizers and owner-occupiers looking to stay within the Altona community but who previously had limited opportunities to buy a brand-new apartment.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112195]

Joel Robinson

Spacious Group completes Voyage Altona in Altona's beachside precinct

Homecorp has secured approval for a $360 million apartment development at Budds Beach, paving the way for one of the Gold Coast's most amenity-rich residential projects to launch later this year.

Gold Coast City Council has approved Lýon Residences, a 32-level tower that will deliver 178 two and three-bedroom apartments across a prominent corner site at 8-10 Acacia Avenue and 25-27 Oak Avenue.

The approval comes as developers continue to invest in premium lifestyle-driven apartment projects on the Gold Coast, where owner occupiers are increasingly prioritising amenity as much as apartment size and location.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/l-on-residences-25-27-oak-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Lýon Residences</a> has been designed around a resort-style wellness offering, headlined by a Moroccan-inspired spa precinct featuring treatment rooms, a Nordic sauna and steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, a soaking pool and a residents-only juice bar.

The rooftop will include a heated infinity pool and spa, residents' lounge with private kitchen and bar, gymnasium, yoga and Pilates studio, outdoor entertaining areas and barbecue facilities overlooking the Surfers Paradise skyline.

<img alt="Lyon" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2d3e29af-8793-486e-a684-52cef862241f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-15%20at%204.32.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ayG2zpLf3SS6Zy8XmKDcQods4kVWb0gm" />

Homecorp Founder and CEO Ron Bakir said Budds Beach provided the ideal location for the company's latest luxury apartment project.

"Budds Beach represents one of the most unique and sought-after pockets of the Gold Coast, and Lýon Residences has been designed to reflect that sense of rarity and refinement," Bakir said.

The project arrives as wellness continues to become a defining feature of new residential developments both in Australia and internationally.

The latest Global Wellness Institute figures show wellness real estate remains the fastest-growing segment of the global wellness economy and is forecast to exceed $1.8 trillion by 2030. Australia continues to rank among the world's 15 largest wellness real estate markets, with developers increasingly integrating health, recreation and community facilities into apartment projects.

Queensland is also experiencing strong population growth, with the Gold Coast continuing to outperform many other Australian cities as demand for new housing remains elevated ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Bakir said the project had been designed to respond to that shift in buyer expectations.

"Strong population growth and sustained demand across the Gold Coast continue to highlight the need for well-designed new housing supply. Lýon Residences responds directly to this demand while setting a new benchmark for residential living," he said.

Each apartment has been designed to maximise views across the coastline, the Nerang River and the Gold Coast hinterland.

Located just minutes from Surfers Paradise beach and the Broadwater, the development also offers easy access to the light rail network, Broadbeach and Burleigh Heads.

Early site works are underway, with construction expected to commence later this year.

Homecorp approved for Budds Beach apartment tower, Lýon Residences

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Renovations

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

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

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After its disastrous ratings, Channel Nine has moved Reno Rumble out of its 7.30pm timeslot.
A new season of reality show Married at First Sight will replace the renovation program on Mondays and Tuesdays. 
The program – made by The Block's producers - has damaged the stellar reputations of The Block's hosts Scott Cam and Shelley Craft.
Its first episode last Monday drew a 395,000 viewers, compared to MKR's 1.46 million to finish in fourth place. 
Picture courtesy of 9jumpin.com.au
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Reno Rumble cut from prime time

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GUEST OBSERVER
The Housing Industry Association has released the latest edition of Renovations Roundup. 
The report offers the most comprehensive quarterly analysis of the home renovations market in each of the eight states and territories, and outlines forecasts for renovations activity. Renovations Roundup also provides results of the exclusive HIA Renovations Survey undertaken in February 2016, in which over 900 businesses and individuals participated. 
The HIA Renovations Survey provides a comprehensive update on conditions within the sector.
Repairs and maintenance are the most popular type of job, followed by kitchen and bathroom renovations.
A significant 24 percent of renovation jobs fall within the value range of $12,000 to $40,000. The survey also found that 13 percent of renovation jobs fell in the range of $200,000 to $400,000. This reflects demand for comprehensive renovation work which covers a large part of the footprint of an existing house and is an area of the renovations market that should gather momentum in coming years.
Total renovations activity grew for a second consecutive year in 2015, rising by 4.4 pe cent.
However, the recovery remains quite fragile and there is considerable geographic variation to activity.
Several markets are benefitting from the improving labour market along with stronger dwelling price growth. In other places, weak earnings growth, relatively low turnover of established houses and tighter credit conditions are holding activity back.
The Renovations Roundup projects that renovations activity will increase by 0.7 percent this year with growth of 1.7 percent forecast for 2017. HIA projects that activity will grow by 2.8 percent in 2018 followed by a 3.2 percent increase in 2019, bringing the total volume of renovations activity to $33.02 billion.
Shane Garrett is senior economist for HIA and can be contacted <a href="https://hia.com.au/en/BusinessInfo/economicInfo/EcoGroup.aspx" target="_blank">here</a>.
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Renovations recovery continues to battle on: HIA

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There's whispers a heritage art deco factory in Port Melbourne will be the venue of the next series of Channel 9's popular reality show, The Block.
The Block's producers are believed to have snapped up the imposing, heritage protected building at 164 Ingles Street from the BRW rich-lister Harry Stamoulis.
The $5 million deal follows its marketing late last year. <a href="https://dawkinsocchiuto.com.au/property/auto-draft-32/" target="_blank">The listing website</a> suggests the property is under offer. 
There had been rumours the one 2016 Block may have found a former icecream factory for its setting.
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<img src="https://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/m/v/g/1/i/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gmv0u7.png/1455685072530.jpg" alt="The Block's contestants will have to cope with heritage-building related restrictions next time around." title=""> 
But the pinpointed Port Melbourne building is part of the former Velvet soap factory site of J Kitchen &amp; Co which became Unilever.
It was constructed in the 1920s as the factory's administration office.
The building, with a stepped-back main entrance, was among a larger holding purchased by Stamoulis for $25 million in 2013, with around 280 townhouses now under construction on the surrounding former Symex chemical factory site opposite the Port Melbourne Cricket Oval.
Estate agent Walter Occhiuto from Dawkins Occhiuto has the building as being under "contract" on its website.
The marketing campaign focused on the building's development potential for office or hotel accommodation. It was marketed as an outstanding building of 2355 sqm. It sits on a 1155 sqm block.
J Kitchen &amp; Sons commenced trading in Port Melbourne in the 1850s making such products as Velvet Soap and Electrine Candles from the tallow and other animal fats from the nearby slaughter yards. In the decades the company became Kitchen &amp; Lever then Unilever and most recently Unichema. 
But back in the second half of the 1920s, into the 1930s, the company produced a journal called Advance.
The Port Melbourne Historical &amp; Preservation Society (PMHPS) have several editions in their collection.
<a href="/images/2016/02/18/1925view-1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/02/18/1925view-1.jpg" alt=""> 
 
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Advance Vol 2 No 7 from July 1925 featured their new Administration Offices saying '... the firm may well claim to have built one of the most up-to-date block of offices in the Commonwealth, combining loftiness, dignity and stability'.
Inside the main entrance the vestibule has a 'mosaic floor in a shining pattern, having the monogram of J Kitchen &amp; Sons worked into the centre".
 <a href="/images/2016/02/18/fourviews.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/02/18/fourviews.jpg" alt=""> 
Interior fittings were of the highest order with doors built of 'polished maple and plate glass'. The second floor contained a 'spacious hall for social purposes designed to accomodate 700 people' with a kauri dance floor.
The following edition of Advance in October 1925 included this photo of the opening of the Social Hall. <a href="/images/2016/02/18/opening.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/02/18/opening.jpg" alt="">
The company Social Club appears to have been very active with a library containing over 600 volumes, a tennis club, cricket club and football club who on the King's Birthday took on another great Port Melbourne company, the biscuit-makers Swallow and Ariel, at the Port Melbourne football ground.
The Block's last season saw contestants renovating the Hotel Saville, an octagonal building on the corner of busy Commercial and Punt roads in South Yarra.
The last series, won by Newcastle’s Dean and Shay, averaged 1.048 million viewers across its run.
Dean and Shay collected $755,000 when their penthouse apartment sold for $2.3 million.
Nine has revealed that the makers of The Block are yet to purchase a building for the next series.
The 2016 series of The Block won’t screen until the last quarter of this year. 
 
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The Block Port Melbourne - awash with soapy renovation series setting whispers

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Renovation costs in New South Wales rose a sharp 8.11% year-on-year, compared to a national increase of only 1.48%, reveals a new report by services marketplace ServiceSeeking.com.au.
The Renovation Consumer Price Index (RCPI) is a quarterly report by serviceseeking.com.au, analysing 52,000 quotes submitted by tradesman on the website. The report compares the cost of renovating in Q2 FY16 versus the prior year.
For the report, the company used an interactive map that plots price changes across 10 popular renovation services in New South Wales year on year.
NSW was the only state to see a price increase in 10 out of 10 popular renovation services, in part because of trades shortage.
“We're now really starting to see the effects of a cooling property market" said CEO Jeremy Levitt. "As homeowners steer away from purchasing new property, they're investing in their existing properties through value-adding renovations which has pushed prices up.”
The average tradesman charges $64.09/hr, making NSW the second most expensive state to renovate a home (and now more expensive than Queensland).
Carpentry and building saw the largest price increases, up 26.26% and 18.48% respectively.
Although there were across-the-board increases, some services didn’t fluctuate much. For example, prices for electrical work increased 1.23% and concreting rose by 3.18%.
<a href="https://www.serviceseeking.com.au" target="_blank">Serviceseeking.com.au</a> has more than 1.96 million jobs listed on its website to date with over 6.8 million quotes compared.
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prateek24-ezbwHMbNAk

Home renovations jump 8% in New South Wales: serviceseeking.com report

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News Ltd have acquired a 25% stake in hipages, Australia’s most popular website for finding and hiring tradespeople. 
<a href="https://www.homeimprovementpages.com.au/" target="_blank">hipages</a> is the leading on-demand marketplace for hiring tradies in Australia, including plumbers, electricians, painters and builders.
Since its launch in 2004, the company has experienced significant growth year on year. David Vitek is co-founder and CEO of Hipages and Roby Sharon-Zipser, is the COO and co-founder of hipages.
It directly employs 200 people and helps over 65,000 verified tradespeople find work and get access to $1.35 billion worth of jobs generated annually.
"Our funding, comprising a combination of cash and advertising contra will help the business to further accelerate its growth and create greater brand awareness while providing our trades and services advertisers with a new platform with which to promote their businesses," News Corp Australia chief Peter Tonagh said in a statement on Monday. 
"For us this is an exciting investment and a key plank in our wider plan to expand and grow our property and home services business in Australia.
"More broadly, the investment follows our strategy of leveraging our large, highly engaged consumer audiences, and our deep relationships with advertisers, to expand our business into high growth."
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News Corp Australia invest in tradies home improvement website

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House renovators hoping for a quick profit run the risk of underestimating the cost of the flip.
But Cherie Barber, a professional renovator who runs a company providing renovation courses, remains optimistic about buying for renovation and sale.
Barber says it is always possible to renovate for a profit.
"You cannot talk about a single Australian market," she recently told The Australian Financial Review.
"There are more than 4000 suburbs and as many markets."
She says renovating to sell or hold depends on individual markets, which means analysis of the costs and benefits of the property, street and suburb.
Research suggest about 6 per cent of residential properties sold in Australia sold again in less than two years.
Across the country, CoreLogic RP Data noted homes that resold recently at a loss had an average length of ownership of 6.0 years.
Across resales of homes throughout the March 2015 quarter, those homes that were held for only a short period of time proved to be much more susceptible to loss.
Although home values increased over the past 12 months, 13.0% of owners who purchased and resold in the same year recorded a gross loss.
Any flip investment needs to estimate value the time involved and also the risks on the costs of acquisition, holding, renovating and selling.
Cherie Barber says she can complete a 10-day complete makeover of a house that would take other renovators between six and 12 months at double the cost.
She suggests not to pay the invoices in full until you are 100% happy with the works being completed.
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