A landmark former orphanage site in Surrey Hills could be transformed into a new residential community under plans lodged by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/antipodean-land-developments">Antipodean Land Developments</a> that would deliver 76 apartments and townhouses while restoring some of the suburb's most significant heritage buildings.

The burgeoninng Melbourne-based developer has submitted plans for the 9,158 sqm site at 1 Kent Road and 24 Durham Road, home to the former St Joseph's Home for Destitute Children, a historic institutional complex dating back to the late 19th century. The proposal seeks to adaptively reuse several heritage buildings while introducing two new four-storey residential buildings set within extensive landscaped grounds.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> and Kerstin Thompson Architects, the project has been conceived as a contemporary residential village embedded within a restored heritage precinct. The development team describes the design approach as "The Village in the Garden," with new buildings positioned among mature landscaping by OCULUS and significant heritage structures.

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="44ec8c1b-c0b6-44ae-859e-5811b3e6a023" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29.png?VersionId=p.p1_KFh4iQoV4nisdnPfQBAsWNi7m79" />

The proposal would deliver 76 dwellings comprising a mix of apartments and duplex-style residences, significantly increasing housing supply on one of the largest privately held residential landholdings in Surrey Hills. The development includes 127 car spaces, 24 bicycle spaces and more than 1,000 sqm of communal amenity, with the existing chapel building earmarked for conversion into resident facilities.

According to the planning submission, the project centres on the restoration and adaptive reuse of the site's most significant heritage assets, including the original c.1889 St Joseph's building, the chapel designed by architect Augustus Andrew Fritsch, and the historic brick perimeter walls and entry gates. The proposal also incorporates the retention of other contributory buildings including the former infirmary and school building.

Tract Consultants, in the planning report accompanying the application, said the scheme had been shaped through extensive heritage analysis and design development.

"The shared vision for the Site by the project team has culminated in a scheme which successfully breathes life back into a historic site while delivering upon the objectives of Victoria's Housing Statement in a carefully curated and contextually responsive manner."

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7263b7d8-95ea-400f-9531-6ca7d22c3c33" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29.png?VersionId=4cR1tiWOsDpgxEOwZi5vVFcyvvOsYkIE" />

The proposal is being assessed under Victoria's Significant Residential Development with Affordable Housing pathway. As part of the application, three per cent of the project's residential development cost would be contributed to the Social Housing Growth Fund. The development would also provide a diverse mix of one, two and three-bedroom residences targeting a broader range of buyers than typically found in Surrey Hills' detached housing market.

Sustainability initiatives include an anticipated 66 per cent BESS score, natural cross-ventilation to 80 per cent of apartments, 28 per cent deep soil landscaping and a canopy cover outcome exceeding local planning requirements. The proposal also sets aside more than 1,083 sqm for communal indoor and outdoor resident amenity spaces.

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="33fad46f-fe26-4d0a-acfd-6b776e1c6a3d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design.png?VersionId=D9F6WVSyYCtGvSUmith35LRp6R7PQkw_" />

Planning documents describe the property as one of the largest underutilised residential sites in Surrey Hills, arguing it presents a rare opportunity to introduce "missing middle" housing in an established inner-eastern suburb while preserving and revitalising a significant heritage precinct.

Antipodean Land Developments has built a reputation for design-focused residential projects across Melbourne, particularly in the medium-density sector. Previous developments include Neighbourhood in Brunswick East, delivered with Breathe Architecture, and Balfe Park Lane, designed by Kerstin Thompson Architects.

They've been very active in site acquisition as they build out their future development pipeline. They recently launched Thornubury House, 45 apartments above a mix of commercial, retail, and food and beverage tenancies, and have plans for a boutique project in Fitzroy and another <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/vic/antipodean-plan-apartments-for-deepdenes-missing-middle-on-whitehorse-road">"missing middle" project</a> on Deepdene's Whitehorse Road.

Joel Robinson

First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills

Developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/auyin-property-development">Auyin</a> is the latest to turn to the Victorian Government's Development Facilitation Program in an effort to secure approval for its long-planned, mixed-use project in Elsternwick.

In 2018, Auyin lodged plans with Glen Eira City Council for a 14-storey building, however Council approved a reduced eight-storey scheme. A subsequent VCAT appeal in 2019 upheld the eight-storey height limit.

The project was later amended to nine storeys, but Auyin is now seeking to revive something closer to its original vision. The developer argues that the planning context has evolved significantly over the past decade, particularly within the Elsternwick Activity Centre, where higher-density development has increasingly been encouraged along Glen Huntly Road.

The proposal would transform the 1,239 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/7-12-horne-street-elsternwick-vic-3185">7-15 Horne Street</a>, opposite Elsternwick Railway Station, into a 13-storey residential and retail development designed by CBG Architects, with 40 apartments

The site currently comprises three commercial properties.

<img alt="First look: 13-storey mixed-use tower planned for Elsternwick activity centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5f465dd4-509b-4082-a669-0253b313914b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/elsternwick%20podium.png?VersionId=72frWi0SmQ5AVJ3ARRhX5ILUYObhTm7x" />

The proposed apartment mix comprises 25 two-bedroom and 15 three-bedroom residences above 200 sqm of retail space at ground level. Residents would have access to a 90 sqm wellness facility, a 351 sqm communal indoor and outdoor terrace on the third level, and extensive landscaped areas throughout the development. A publicly accessible 135 sqm plaza would be created on the north-east corner of the site, providing seating, landscaping, and a new gathering space adjoining Horne Street.

The design adopts a four-storey podium that references the finer-grain character of the surrounding streetscape, with the upper tower recessed behind generous setbacks on all boundaries.

<img alt="First look: 13-storey mixed-use tower planned for Elsternwick activity centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e637e763-2abc-4c34-a0aa-5c7ad36fae18" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/elsternwick%20open.png?VersionId=J1AoOpZgTyaF.KeeFSX6lMjEScX8KKRi" />

A key element of the proposal is the reconfiguration and widening of the surrounding laneways. Vehicle access would be retained from Lois Lane, with upgraded pedestrian connections linking Ross Street and Horne Street. The development would provide 58 residential car spaces, two retail car spaces, and 52 bicycle spaces across two basement levels and ground-floor facilities.

Architecturally, the building draws inspiration from the established character of Elsternwick Village. The façade combines dark charcoal brickwork, textured concrete, bronze-toned metal detailing, and extensive planting integrated into podium and tower levels. The design also incorporates a chamfered corner treatment and publicly accessible plaza intended to strengthen pedestrian activity around the station precinct.

Elsternwick's last new development completion was&nbsp;EVA Elsternwick by Pitard late last year. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/milieu-property">Milieu</a> is working away on its nature-led neighbourhood, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/elsternwick-gardens-by-milieu-8-gordon-street-elsternwick-vic-3185">Elsternwick Gardens</a>, on Gordon Street, with its first stage expected to complete next year.

First look: Auyin seeks mixed-use apartment project in growing Elsternwick Activity Centre

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/otium-parkdale-123-125-como-parade-east-parkdale-vic-3195">Otium Parkdale</a>, the 13-residence boutique development by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/huxtable-property">Huxtable Property</a>, has entered its final stages of delivery, with completion expected within the coming month and more than half of the residences sold.

The Como Parade East project is nearing the finish line at a time when opportunities to purchase new apartments in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parkdale-vic-3195">Parkdale</a> remain exceptionally limited. Fewer than 10 per cent of dwellings in the bayside suburb are apartments, making developments like Otium a relatively rare addition to a market traditionally dominated by detached housing.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134974 project_image_fid=5427]

The three-level development comprises 13 residences, including ten two-bedroom apartments and three larger three-bedroom homes, all positioned above a secure basement car park.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/almeida-architects">Almeida Architects</a> with a strong connection to its coastal surroundings, Otium combines red brick, exposed concrete and dark metal detailing with integrated landscaping and greenery. Expansive glazing, generous balconies and terraces have been incorporated throughout the design to maximise natural light and reinforce indoor-outdoor living.

Inside, the residences feature engineered European oak flooring, natural and reconstituted stone benchtops, Bosch kitchen appliances, ducted heating and cooling, lift access and secure entry systems. The larger three-bedroom residences on the upper level have been designed with house-like proportions, while the two-bedroom apartments prioritise functionality, flexibility and low-maintenance living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134974 project_image_fid=5421]

The project is now in its final stages, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/labco">Labco</a> completing the remaining landscaping and external finishing works following the completion of the residences' interiors.

Otium's location within the heart of Parkdale continues to underpin its appeal. Residents will be just steps from local cafés, restaurants, shops and the newly elevated Parkdale Station, while the beach is less than a kilometre away.

With the project tracking ahead of schedule, buyers can currently secure a residence with a five per cent deposit and benefit from settlement terms of up to eight months. The advanced stage of construction also provides buyers with the opportunity to walk through the near-complete residences and experience the quality and finishes firsthand ahead of completion.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134974]

Otium Parkdale enters final month before completion as rare apartment opportunity nears sellout

A new boutique apartment development is entering the market in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/chermside-qld-4032">Chermside</a>, with Brisbane-based developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ausdev">Ausdev</a> bringing 33 residences to a well-connected pocket of Brisbane's north.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/parkdrive-apartments-chermside-25-sammells-drive-chermside-qld-4032">Parkdrive Apartments</a>, at 25 Sammells Drive, will comprise a mix of one- and two-bedroom residences positioned within walking distance of Westfield Chermside, The Prince Charles Hospital, and Bradbury Park.

Established in 1989, Ausdev has a long-standing presence across both development and construction, with Parkdrive Apartments representing its latest residential project in Brisbane's northern suburbs.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152125 project_image_fid=363778]

The development has been designed around open-plan living and natural light, with residences featuring stone benchtops, timber cabinetry, BOSCH appliances, and private balconies that extend the living areas outdoors.

Kitchens are positioned as the centrepiece of the homes, incorporating natural material palettes and integrated appliances, while bathrooms have been designed with a focus on functionality and understated finishes.

Residents will have access to a communal barbecue and entertaining area on Level 3, providing shared outdoor space within the development. Secure parking and lift access are also incorporated into the building.

The project will deliver a limited collection of 33 apartments, with one-bedroom residences priced from $749,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152125 project_image_fid=363782]

Beyond the building itself, the location places residents within easy reach of several of Chermside's key amenities. Bradbury Park is around 350 metres away, while Westfield Chermside is approximately 1.3 kilometres from the site. The Prince Charles Hospital is located within 750 metres, and the Chermside Bus Interchange is around 1.5 kilometres away, providing connections across Brisbane.

Parkdrive Apartments adds to the growing residential pipeline in Chermside, a suburb that continues to evolve as a major retail, healthcare, and transport hub for Brisbane's north.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152125]

Ausdev introduces boutique Parkdrive Apartments to Chermside's growing centre

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/skymark-group">Skymark</a>'s boutique Cronulla development Solis has secured a 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy through Resilience Insurance, providing buyers of the 16-residence building on Ewos Parade with structural and waterproofing protection that extends a decade beyond the building's completion.

Currently under construction and due for completion in late 2027, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/solis-cronulla-8-ewos-parade-cronulla-nsw-2230">Solis</a> is one of a small number of new developments in the Sutherland Shire to carry Resilience LDI coverage, a distinction that carries increasing weight as buyer confidence in the off-the-plan sector continues to be shaped by how developers stand behind their product.

Latent Defects Insurance, which entered the Australian market in 2022 when Resilience Insurance was approved to offer the cover, protects buyers against major structural or waterproofing defects for ten years post-completion. Unlike traditional statutory warranties, it operates as a first-resort policy, if a covered defect arises, the insurer responds directly, without the buyer needing to pursue the builder or developer through a lengthy claims process.

Resilience Insurance CEO Corey Nugent has noted that the product addresses something fundamental to the new apartment market.

"The overarching feedback from prospective buyers in the new development space is that they want more confidence and assurances around the quality of the build," Nugent says.

"Resilience Insurance Latent Defects Insurance not only gives them complete peace of mind for 10 years, but it shows the developer they are buying from is standing by their product."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370898]

For Solis, the Resilience LDI policy adds a meaningful layer of accountability to an already considered project. The development comprises nine two-bedroom and seven three-bedroom residences, including one dual-level three-bedroom apartment, across a five-storey building on Ewos Parade, positioned between Shelly Beach and South Cronulla.

Garden apartments connect directly to private landscaped courtyards, while upper-level homes capture beach views to the east from level four and above.&nbsp;

All 16 residences include at least one balcony or courtyard, and select apartments on the upper floors feature bar areas and secondary flexible living spaces.

Hiba Sander, Managing Director of Skymark, says Solis offers a rare balance, nestled between the quiet beauty of secluded beaches and the lively charm of South Cronulla's esplanade.

"It's a place to choose your pace and live gracefully, seaside'," Sander says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370900]

The architecture, designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ida-design-group">IDA Design Group</a>'s Michael Trinh, draws from the natural erosion patterns of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/cronulla-nsw-2230">Cronulla</a>'s sandstone headlands, translating the organic forms of the coastline into soft curves, pavilion-style massing, and a material palette chosen for longevity in a salt-tinged environment.&nbsp;

Textured natural stone, soft renders, and timber-look battens reference the tones of the surrounding cliffs, while the building has been oriented to maximise natural light and passive ventilation, with primary living spaces facing north and east to capture morning sun and sea breezes.

"At Solis, our aim was to create architecture that feels quietly confident, grounded in natural materials like stone and timber, and elevated by light and landscape," Trinh says.&nbsp;

"The buildings are designed to sit gently within their coastal surrounds, with expansive glazing and abundant greenery creating a seamless dialogue between inside and out."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370897]

Interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hot-black">Hot Black</a> carry the same material language through to every room. Kitchens feature integrated Gaggenau appliances, sculpted stone benchtops, and Lo &amp; Co joinery, while bathrooms feature natural stone, timber, and brushed metal finishes.&nbsp;

Hot Black Founder and Design Director Sophie Safrin describes the intent as one of considered restraint: "At Solis, every detail has been thoughtfully considered to create a timeless coastal retreat, calm, refined, and effortlessly liveable. From natural finishes to seamless indoor-outdoor flow, Solis offers a quiet elegance that's deeply connected to its surroundings.

The landscape, designed by Julian Brady of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/sitedesignstudios">Site Design Studios</a>, treats green space as an integral part of the resident experience rather than an afterthought.&nbsp;

"Gentle curves and layered native plantings mirror the ebb and flow of the ocean," Julian Brady says, "creating a serene connection between architecture and place."&nbsp;

Coco Republic has provided bespoke furniture packages tailored to the project's coastal palette.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370899]

Skymark has an established track record in the Sutherland Shire, with a portfolio spanning Cronulla, Woolooware and Burraneer that includes Isla, Sylva, Bask, Shells, Sula and Mist. Securing LDI on Solis reflects a broader shift in how the developer is positioning its buildings to buyers, at a time when Resilience Insurance expects the policy to become mandatory in New South Wales by 2028.

Sales at Solis are launching soon through Ray White Projects, with an official event scheduled for 11 June. Enquire for more information.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150499]

Skymark takes out 10-year Resilience Insurance LDI at Solis Cronulla

Residential Sale

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Fox Sports presenter Louise Ransome and partner Richard Bayliss purchased a Federation Kensington home at weekend auction.

It sold for $1.83 million through Joe Recep and Martin Farah of N G Farah Real Estate.

It was three-bedroom, one-bathroom freestanding home.

The property’s reserve was reduced to $1.75 million and announced on the market before the pair, in attendance but represented by another agent, made their move, beating out a neighbour of the property who had made an earlier offer of $1.78 million during the week, but didn’t follow through.

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Fox Sports presenters busy in property market

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A waterfront boat shed in Sydney’s southern suburb of Burraneer has been put up for sale for $350,000.
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-residential+land-nsw-burraneer-201806086" target="_blank">2C Hazel Place</a> property at Gunnamatta Bay is a heritage-listed boat shed.
Its dimensions are about 3 m x 3 m with its own sandy beach and is ideal for dinghy storage/Jetski storage/BBQ etc, says the advertisement.
The property has a frontage of 5 metres.
It has been listed through For Sale By Owner, a website where owners can sell their properties on their own.
It last changed hands for $80,000 in 1998, according to RP Data.
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Waterfront boat shed in Sydney's Burraneer listed for $350,000 

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More than 100 historic castles, farmhouses and monasteries in Italy are being offered for free, provided the premises are transformed.
They must become tourist attractions such as hotels, restaurants or shops.
The applicants, who are being targeted as entrepreneurs under 40, must advise how they intend to transform the building into an attraction.
Successful applicants will be given rights to the property for a nine year leasehold, with the option to extend for a further nine years.
Italy are set to introduce another 200 properties to the list within the next two years.
One of the most impressive properties on the <a href="https://www.agenziademanio.it/opencms/it/ValorePaese/camminiepercorsi/" target="_blank">103 strong list</a> is Castello di Blera, an 11th-century castle in Lazio.
The cliffside residence still maintains most of its original medieval features.
The 12th century built Torre della Bastiglia near Bologna that overlooks a nearby castle also features.
The list includes many old school-houses, palaces and inns.
Roberto Reggi from the State Property Agency told The Local Italy that the project will promote and support the development of the slow tourism sector.
"The goal is for private and public buildings which are no longer used to be transformed into facilities for pilgrims, hikers, tourists, and cyclists."
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Historic castle giveaway in Italy

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Businessman and art collector Greg Hargrave has sold his penthouse atop the ultra establishment block, 99 Spring Street in Melbourne.
Encompassing the entire 25th floor, the four bedroom, three bathroom apartment has a home office and an outdoor terrace that offers views over the CBD.
The renovation is not to everyone's taste.
He's owned it since paying $4.08 million in 2013. Dingle Partners agent Anton Wongtrakun had a $7.5 million price guidance this time round.
The building was originally constructed in 1968 as one of the first purpose built residential buildings in the Melbourne CBD.
The penthouse was once owned by entrepreneur Robert Holmes á Court.
Since then the building has been transformed by Kerry Phelan of KPDO. The lift foyer comes with graffiti art by Anthony Lister.
Early last year Hargrave sold Wavendon, the historic 1888 South Yarra trophy for around $18 million.
Hargrave of the Skilled Group had paid $11.25 million for the three level Walsh Street home in 2006 in an off-market deal.
This article first appeared in The Weekend Australian Mansion Australia section.
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Art collector Greg Hargrave sells Spring Street penthouse

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The auction market in Sydney is back to strength following the Easter holiday with 650 homes set for Saturday auction, according to Domain's Dr Andrew Wilson.
He said Sydney’s inner west will be the most popular region for auctions on Saturday with 100 followed by the south with 88, the upper north shore (80), the city and east (68), the west (61), the lower north (55), the south west (50), Canterbury Bankstown (47), the northern beaches (35), the north west (30) and the central coast with (18) auctions listed.
"Manly will host the most suburban auctions this weekend with 11 followed by Newtown and Mosman each with 10, Ashfield (8), St Ives, Eastwood and Darlinghurst each with 7 and a number of suburbs with 6 auctions listed including Revesby, Paddington Bexley and Earlwood," he said.
"Auction listings were predictably higher last weekend with 705 homes scheduled to go under the hammer compared to 25 the previous weekend.
"This weekend more than 1000 auctions are listed as the market returns in full after April’s lengthy holiday distractions.
"Melbourne’s eastern suburban regions recorded the highest clearance rates last weekend although most areas and suburbs continue to secure positive results for sellers.
"Top rate was reported by the south-east with 87.7 percent followed by the outer east 86.2 percent, the inner east 86.0 percent, the west 84.0 percent and the most sales at 84, the north-east 83.3 percent, the north 82.7 percent, the inner south 71.7 percent and the inner city with a clearance rate of 61.1 percent."
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Post Easter Sydney, Melbourne auction market back to strength

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The television tradie James Bawden and his wife, interior designer Kimberley-Jade sold their single-fronted 1890s St Kilda East cottage ahead of its weekend auction.
No price reveal but Sotheby’s agent Sarah Case was seeking <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-st+kilda+east-124955250" target="_blank">around $1.45 million</a> (below).
<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/2017/04/10/700_terrace1.jpg" alt="">
Bawden, who started his television career with Channel Nine’s Domestic Bliss then onto Network Ten’s The Home Team DIY show, bought it with Kimberley-Jade, who runs runs the Kim INC design studio, for $610,000 in 2014 which was followed by their renovation and extension.
It was one of the 166 Melbourne auction offerings snapped up ahead of schedule, according to the REIV. 
Melbourne's 81 percent success rate just sits behind Sydney's 81.5 percent with neither city unduly concerned by rising regulatory concerns about a housing bubble.
In Melbourne's outer west, Ardeer, it was a Sydney investor who snapped up a $731,000 <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-ardeer-124984098" target="_blank">three-bedroom brick veneer house</a> (below).
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/04/10/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-10%20at%209.12.02%20AM.png" alt="">
In South Yarra an expat living in Dubai spent $1,214,000 on a Moore Street single-fronted <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-south+yarra-124954986" target="_blank">two bedroom cottage semi</a> (below), The Herald Sun reported.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/04/10/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-10%20at%209.13.56%20AM.png" alt="">
In South Melbourne, a charming ugly duckling left vacant for 40 years, sold through Greg Hocking Holdsworth to a couple for $2,635,000 who will be convert the former corner milk bar and adjoining classic terrace <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property/440-park-st-south-melbourne-vic-3205" target="_blank">into one family home</a> (lead image).
The effervescent national clearance rate tally came after the busiest week for auctions so far this year, as vendors sought to get in before the Easter break.
Auctions returned a 77.6 percent national tally, according to CoreLogic’s latest report with 3,424 homes put to auction.
In Melbourne, the number of homes taken to auction rose to 1,458, up from last week’s 1,143, with the clearance rate hitting 81 per cent, up from 79.6 per cent over the previous weekend.
Across Sydney the preliminary clearance rate was up at 81.5 per cent after Sydney's biggest ever auction day saw 1140 homes go under the hammer.
CoreLogic’s auction analyst Kevin Brogan said described it as "a robust performance."
<div class="wp-caption">The dearest reported sale was at Drummoyne where a four-bedroom art deco home on Sydney Harbour sold for $7.2 million. </div>
<div class="wp-caption"> </div>
<div class="wp-caption">The auctioneer Damien Cooley had called the property onto the market at $6.8 million.</div>
<div> </div>
<div id="sticky_holder_news">“There’s a shortage of waterfronts in Drummoyne,” Cobden and Hayson agent Frank Colacicco told The Sunday Telegraph.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Melbourne's highest result was when a <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-middle+park-124983402" target="_blank">Middle Park duplex fetched $6,985,000</a> (below), according to the REIV.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/04/10/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-10%20at%209.17.39%20AM.png" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div>There were 17 rooms in Veronique, the Page Street offering, which sold through Cayzer Real Estate.  </div>
<div> </div>
<div>An 1880s Brighton house, Marama was passed in on a <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-brighton-125013006" target="_blank">vendor bid of $5.8 million</a> in front of a big crowd (below). The Age advised the iconic Victorian mansion did not receive a single bid, although the vendors had lowered their reserve to $6.4 million from initial $7 million hopes. </div>
<div> </div>
<div><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/04/10/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-10%20at%209.18.45%20AM.png" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
Canberra’s preliminary auction clearance rate of 69.8 percent was higher than last week when the final auction clearance rate was 60.8 percent and higher than the 52 percent recorded last year.
A suburb record was secured in Florey where <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-act-florey-124977586" target="_blank">3 Edman Close</a> (below) sold under the hammer for $960,000 through Peter Blackshaw Gungahlin, topping the previous $840,000 record set in February.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/04/10/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-10%20at%209.23.17%20AM.png" alt="">
It had five bedrooms, study and theatre room amid its 220 sqm internal living space.
CoreLogic advised there were 182 Brisbane properties taken to auction with a clearance rate of 54.6 percent.
Adelaide saw a preliminary clearance rate of 67.4 percent across a total of 170 scheduled auctions.
Perth’s clearance rate of 22.7 percent across 53 auctions was down from the previous week.
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South Melbourne ugly ducking sold

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Sirona Capital managing director Kelvin Flynn and wife Vanessa have sold their Dalkeith home for $2,955,000.
It was close to the $3 million plus asking price through Acton Cottesloe agent Deborah Brady.
The four bedroom home set on a 1315 sqm parcel comes with a floodlit tennis court and heated swimming pool.
Kelvin founded the merchant bank in 2009 after spending time at GoldmanSachs.
He is a non-executive director at several mining companies.
This article first appeared in The Weekend Australian Mansion Australia section.
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Sirona Capital managing director Kelvin Flynn sells in Dalkeith

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The Brisbane residential property record has been broken with the sale of a three level clifftop home at Kangaroo Point.
It has been sold for $18.48 million through Ray White New Farm agent Matt Lancashire.
The sale by City Motor Auctions Group boss Angelo Russo and wife Sandra eclipses the previous Brisbane record of $14 million when Australia's richest woman Gina Rinehart bought in late 2014.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/03/20/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-20%20at%2011.56.52%20AM.png" alt="">
The vast 1445 sqm split level home with five bedrooms and six bathrooms was the work of renowned designer Greg Harris.
The eastern wing of the residence comprises a home office with adjoining board room, serviced by a kitchenette and another home office.
A fully equipped gym and steam room sit on the same floor, and there's also a sound proof cinema.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/03/20/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-20%20at%2011.58.07%20AM.png" alt="">
One of the homes most spectacular features is the heated infinity lap pool and spa, which run the length of the cliff edge with views of the river and the city.
A lower level temperature controlled wine cellar also offers commanding views.
The marketing suggests no expense had been spared by the owners, even down to the last detail, with heated Saint Lorraine marble flooring from Greece used across the living and entertaining area.
The living and entertaining areas with wood fire pizza oven and teppanyaki barbecue feature heated St Lorraine marble flooring.
Russo paid $4.74 million for the riverfront in 2009 when he bought from law partner Tony Barakat, who had paid $6.3 million just two years earlier.
This article first appeared in The Weekend Australian's Mansion Australia section.
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Brisbane residential property record broken at Kangaroo Point

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Landscape garden designer Peter Fudge and wife Brigitte have secured a quick sale for their Coogee home.
Of course set in a Fudge garden, the <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-coogee-124867482" target="_blank">Californian bungalow</a> sits under ornate roof tiles.
It sold for well over the $3 million price guide, but less than $3.5 million, through Ray White agent James Keenan who sold the home in less than a week.
The elevated garden features Fudge's classic organic-shaped pavers and creepers throughout the pebbled front garden.
The home has four bedrooms, two bathrooms and a sheltered timber decking.
They spent $1.85 million in 2010 when buying on Mount Street from former Rabbitoh Greg Keenan. 
It sold for $750,000 in 2000.
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Landscape designer Peter Fudge sells in Coogee

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Retired Wallaby Phil Waugh has sold his Waverley investment apartment for $950,000.
The top floor, 1930s apartment on Bronte Road cost Waugh $335,000 in 2001.
It had been a $500 a week rental back in 2010, with no subsequent rental updates provided by the agent.
The unit in a block of 12 apartment has two bedrooms and one bathroom.
It had been freshly painted.
Waugh, an open side flanker, racked up 79 Test matches for the Wallabies and 124 matches for the Waratah's over his 12 year career.
Showing he retains his passion for property sales, Adrian Bo, a McGrath 22 year veteran sold the small investment unit. It had been widely canvassed Bo could head into the estate agency's executive ranks having gained an MBA in 2014, but the right opportunity has not opened up despite the upheaval at McGrath. 
The listing of his own Randwick home through the highflying eastern suburbs agent, Gavin Rubenstein at rival firm Ray White caused raised eyebrows recently.
It was explained by Bo away as nothing more than resolving potential conflict of interest.
He told The Australian that he had three listings within a 100 metre radius of his place and it 'just didn't feel appropriate.'
No one in the McGrath Group was enlisted to sell the Bo house as a conjunctional agent.
Bo said he had a great experience with Rubinstein when the Ray White agent sold him his new home, a $5.2 million Vaucluse four-bedder.
His Randwick home sold within four weeks of listing with a $3.2 million to $3.4 million price guide. 
Three nearby listings on Canberra, Oberon and King street have all been sold by Bo recently, with Bo having three currently for sale.
 
 
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