Malaysian developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> is the latest to jump into St Leonards booming Transport Oriented Development precinct.

The developer, which has previously delivered Sapphire by the Gardens apartment development in Melbourne, identified the Atchison Street site in 2023. It filed a Scoping Report around 12 months ago, and now has revealed the designs for the new&nbsp;40-storey mixed-use tower.

The State Significant Development Application covers <a href="https://next-portal.urban.com.au/projects/14650/summary">20-22 Atchison Street</a>, a 1,374 sqm site positioned between St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the project would deliver 181 apartments, above a four-storey commercial podium, five basement levels, and new public domain works along Mitchell Street. The apartment mix comprises 35 one-bedroom apartments, 39 one-bedroom-plus-study apartments, 85 two-bedroom apartments, and 22 three-bedroom residences.

The proposal has been lodged as a shop-top housing development under the NSW Government’s TOD planning pathway, which allows increased density around key transport infrastructure. The site sits within the recently rezoned Crows Nest Accelerated TOD Precinct.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b799673d-48e2-46b0-801a-0e33a9330100" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20site.png?VersionId=dPh0UfwfaHpbFL1R7H1cbZNbIW0CHbCC" />

SP Setia acquired the Atchison Street site as part of its continued expansion into the Australian apartment market. In comments made to City &amp; Country (The Edge Malaysia) in 2023, SP Setia President and CEO Datuk Choong Kai Wai described the acquisition as “a strategic move” aligned with the group’s post-pandemic market recovery strategy.

“Our target for this exceptional development is local and overseas buyers, including first-home buyers, downsizers and investors,” Choong said.

The tower has been designed as a slender vertical form rising from a mixed-use podium, with COX Architecture positioning the development as a response to the evolving St Leonards and Crows Nest skyline.

“The purpose of the project is to facilitate the delivery of high-quality housing at a strategically located site and deliver a built tower outcome that is consistent with the desired future character of St Leonards and aligns with the TOD controls,” the design report stated.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1a85eee-76f7-436c-a6da-73ba827b9b13" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20entry.png?VersionId=dA9jHGPMcm.dDbwk4QfxqWiY5bfh3UVt" />

The podium would incorporate retail uses fronting Atchison Street, commercial tenancies, landscaped communal areas, and pedestrian improvements along Mitchell Street. Vehicle access and loading would be consolidated via Atchison Lane.

Residents would have access to more than 665 sqm of communal indoor and outdoor spaces, while the development proposes 96 parking spaces across five basement levels.

The proposal also includes a commitment for 10 per cent of residential floor space to be allocated toward affordable housing through a monetary contribution.

COX said the tower form responds directly to the emerging high-density character of the precinct while seeking to maximise solar access, cross ventilation, and outlook from apartments.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2163f85c-f63b-4be3-aafa-f8763976cec5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_5.png?VersionId=WiAmtIKJ6.ZQ41EtYEQ1fol7AeorKBlL" />

“The building is orientated towards north,” the Apartment Design Guide compliance report noted, adding that the tower’s slim form was driven by the constrained inner-urban site dimensions.

The design also incorporates landscaped setbacks and communal open space at podium level, intended to soften the interface with surrounding streets and improve pedestrian amenity.

The project adds to a growing wave of redevelopment proposals reshaping St Leonards and Crows Nest following the opening of the Sydney Metro City line and the NSW Government’s push for higher-density housing around major transport nodes.

Last week Stockland filed plans just down the road. They want to build a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/601-pacific-highway-st-leonards-nsw-2065">52-storey tower on Pacific Highway</a>.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">First look: Stockland plans 52-storey, 538-apartment St Leonards tower&nbsp;</a>

Joel Robinson

First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has revealed plans for a new mixed-use tower at 10 Dangar Street, Wickham, advancing a proposal that would reshape the southern gateway to Newcastle’s city centre with one of the city’s tallest residential buildings.

The State Significant Development proposal, now on exhibition, seeks approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bowline-10-dangar-street-wickham-nsw-2293">43-storey tower</a> immediately adjacent to the Newcastle Interchange. The project would deliver around 200 apartments, including 42 affordable housing dwellings, alongside 99 co-living units, a 171-room hotel, retail space, and new public domain integrated through the site.

The scheme marks a significant escalation of plans previously approved for the site. Urban Property Group took over the prominent 2,904 sqm parcel, where excavation and demolition had already commenced under an earlier consent for a 14-storey mixed-use development.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="58a96dd9-407f-4d20-86b4-94e4bfeef74b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20podium.png?VersionId=LGlf08pdFGAZDzvx_CXC4XakHNZRuEE0" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, the tower has been conceived as a landmark transit-oriented development anchored to the Newcastle Interchange precinct. The proposal includes 245 build-to-sell apartments across a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom residences, as well as two penthouses. Fifteen apartments and one operational unit are earmarked for NDIS housing. The co-living component would add a further 99 units, while the podium would accommodate retail uses and hotel facilities.

SJB said the site presents “a valuable opportunity to anchor the precinct by setting the standard for design, active ground planes and character at the key southern gateway.”

The architecture responds directly to the site’s position beside major transport infrastructure and within one of Newcastle’s fastest-evolving urban renewal precincts. The tower form sits above a sculpted podium designed to frame new public spaces, including a through-site pedestrian link connecting Station Street to Hannell Street, landscaped plazas, and activated retail edges.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a7bd6ff0-f7db-4ce8-a6dc-ea56e72c6149" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20lanne.png?VersionId=xzf39VADyhj7zBQY2I9fx9vI62u2tuSb" />

The design report describes the project as part of the broader transition of Wickham into “a vibrant, high-quality mixed-use urban precinct” that leverages proximity to the station, open space, and regional connectivity.

A detailed public art strategy has also been prepared for the development. The strategy positions the project as “a transit-oriented development of state significance at the gateway to Newcastle’s city centre” and outlines a series of integrated artworks responding to Newcastle’s industrial and transport heritage.

Creative Road’s curatorial framework for the project, titled Unveil, draws on “stratified surfaces, carved volumes, and light-filled apertures” while referencing Newcastle’s transformation from an industrial city into a contemporary education and technology hub.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77a882bb-14b1-4d28-99ff-9438e39508c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20site.png?VersionId=cevgo_vN0eKPK78P8YcEu3mKPLkpFqE7" />

The proposal is being advanced through the NSW Housing Delivery Authority pathway after being declared State Significant Development in June 2025. The accompanying scoping report states the development aims to “maximise the site’s proximity to the Newcastle Interchange by delivering transit-oriented development” while increasing housing supply and affordable housing provision within the Newcastle LGA.

Urban Property Group’s plans align with the long-term strategic vision established under the Wickham Master Plan, which identified the interchange precinct as suitable for substantial uplift in height and density. The current proposal would significantly intensify that vision, positioning the tower among the tallest developments proposed for Newcastle.

The site sits immediately north of the Newcastle Interchange, bounded by Dangar Street, Hannell Street, and Charles Street. It is surrounded by a rapidly growing cluster of residential towers and mixed-use projects that have emerged following the completion of the light rail and transport interchange.

First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s latest tower at Wickham interchange

Bottega House has completed settlement of a landmark riverfront site in Macquarie Street, St Lucia, representing its first major Brisbane development.&nbsp;

Positioned on the banks of the Brisbane River, the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/180-macquarie-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">premium site at 180 Macquarie Street</a> features uninterrupted river frontage in one of Brisbane’s most tightly held residential precincts.&nbsp;

The proposed development, currently under assessment with Brisbane City Council, has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> and will deliver a boutique collection of premium residences positioned specifically for owner occupiers and downsizers.&nbsp;

The residences are set to redefine luxury apartment living in the area, with a focus on architectural quality, refined finishes, landscape integration and elevated amenities including curated wellness facilities, resort-style pools and recreation spaces rarely seen in the local market.&nbsp;

Exclusive sales for the project will be led by Keenan &amp; Byrne, ahead of an anticipated launch later this year.&nbsp;

Bottega House Managing Director Nick Malloch said the project reflects the group’s ambition to deliver a highly curated residential offering within one of Brisbane’s most tightly held precincts.&nbsp;

“This is an incredibly rare riverfront opportunity and one we have approached with a long-term perspective,” Malloch said.&nbsp;

“Our vision from the outset was to create a boutique collection of residences that feel more like private homes than traditional apartments, with generous proportions, refined finishes and exceptional amenity throughout."

Malloch says there is a&nbsp;lack of premium owner-occupier stock of this quality in the market, particularly for downsizers wanting space, privacy and a true lifestyle offering without compromise.&nbsp;

"Demand is expected to be strong given the scarcity of premium riverfront opportunities of this nature within Brisbane’s inner-west."&nbsp;

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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The arrival of the first piling rig officially marks the commencement of construction at SIERA’s new beachside apartment development, Exhale, in Northcliffe.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/exhale-surfers-paradise-8-enderley-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Exhale</a>, a glass-encased tower featuring 54 large-scale apartments at 8 Enderley Avenue, is SIERA’s third Gold Coast development. It follows the recently completed PIPIS Bilinga beachfront project, which achieved suburb-record prices, and the soon-to-be-completed Chevron Island development, Tapestry.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359603]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/siera">SIERA</a> Founder and Managing Director Brent Thompson said the arrival of the piling rig represented a significant milestone for the development, which is scheduled for completion in late 2028.

Over the next month, around 260 piles are expected to be installed as work progresses on the basement structure. The building is anticipated to rise above ground level early next year, before unveiling its sculptural glass curtain wall, developed in collaboration with specialist façade engineers.

“The façade was designed to maximise panoramic coastal views while creating a distinctive architectural identity,” Thompson said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=355935]

Designed by BDA Architecture, Exhale will comprise just 54 two- and three-bedroom residences across 26 levels, a level of low-density living rarely delivered in this beachside pocket between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

The project has been conceived as a resident-only building, with no short-stay accommodation permitted. SIERA says the model is intended to appeal to long-term owner-occupiers rather than transient holiday demand.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=361052]

Residences have been designed with large-format layouts and expansive glazing, with most apartments featuring more than 30 metres of glass frontage to maximise natural light and ocean views.

The amenity offering spans two levels and centres on wellness and lifestyle, including a heated magnesium pool, sauna, yoga and Pilates studio, gymnasium, private dining facilities, cinema lounge, and dedicated surfcraft storage.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359607]

More than half of the apartments have already sold. SIERA has also opened a sales gallery for Exhale at its Chevron Island commercial premises, near its Tapestry tower and the site of its second Chevron Island apartment development, which is slated to launch in early 2027.
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[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112661]

SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

Local Little Bay residents, along with buyers from premium postcodes across Sydney’s affluent Eastern Suburbs, have dominated purchases in developer-builder Urban Property Group’s first Eastern Suburbs apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a>.

The $250 million coastal project, one of the first new developments in the area in several years, has proven particularly popular with downsizers, especially those from Coogee and Bondi. One Double Bay downsizer paid $4.7 million for a four-bedroom penthouse, setting a new local apartment price record in the process.

Buyers have been attracted to the combination of coastal tranquillity, premium design and amenity-rich neighbourhood living. The walkable village setting, along with proximity to three of Sydney’s leading golf courses, New South Wales Golf Club, St Michael’s Golf Club and The Coast Golf Club, has also been a key drawcard.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352689]

Built across two low-rise buildings designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hill-thalis-architecture-urban-projects-pty-ltd">Hill Thalis</a> and set along a lush, landscaped green spine, designed by leading landscape architect <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/arcadia-landscape-architecture">Arcadia</a>, ESTE Little Bay offers a collection of one, two, three and four-bedroom residences with interiors by Richards Stanisich.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> Sales Director, Tom McIvor said the response to ESTE has been "nothing short of extraordinary."

“Buyers have been quick to recognise ESTE as a rare opportunity to invest in a coastal sanctuary that offers both seclusion and connectivity to the heart of Sydney,” McIvor said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352687]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">SRM Residential</a> Senior Director, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">Clayton Ross</a> said the local market has responded incredibly well, driven by ESTE’s exceptional location and the rarity it offers.

“We’ve seen strong interest from a variety of buyer groups, all of whom are drawn to the exclusivity and quality of the build and construction by the 4.5-star iCIRT-rated builder / developer, Urban Property Group. There’s truly nothing else like it along Sydney’s coastline.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352690]

The project also includes robust buyer protections, including Resilience Insurance’s Latent Defects Insurance, providing 10 years of structural cover, and an independent iCIRT-rating of the developer.

“The iCIRT-rating adds another layer of confidence,” Ross added. “Buyers see it as a safeguard for their investment and their lifestyle.” A highlight of ESTE’s offering is its exclusive wellness amenities, including a heated rooftop infinity pool and outdoor heated spa, a state-of-the-art Technogym fitness centre, and a sauna.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a> is topped out and is on track to complete towards the end of 2026, with residents moving in before Christmas.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112343]

Eastern Suburbs buyers snap up ESTE Little Bay apartments

Residential Sales

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The entrepreneurial Double Bay dental innovator David Penn and his wife, Linda, secured $1,452,500 when their Altair, Rushcutters Bay investment apartment sold last month.
Despite the Greg Natale decor styling, it was otherwise empty. 
The only thing in all the cupboards in the 8th floor apartment were some Hut and Manor soy wax candles which<a href="https://innercity.ljhooker.com.au/367HFP/809_3-kings-cross-road-darlinghurst" target="_blank"> LJ Hooker agent Dominic Kunerman</a> lit during his open for inspections.
It was bought in 2012 for $1,025,000 in partnership with their son Joshua who was a no-show at the laboured onsite auction in the Engelen Moore-designed complex.
The 117 sqm Walker Corp apartment first sold in 1999 at $651,000. 
This article was first published in the Saturday Daily Telegraph.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Altair apartment sells at $1,452,500

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Savvy homeowners in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs are banding together to combine properties, as they look to capitalise on demand for residential development opportunities.
One such example was the sale of adjacent properties <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-glen+iris-501712345" target="_blank">1455 High Street and 2a Scott Grove,</a> Glen Iris for $6,637,000.
The properties over a combined area of 1,644 square metres were sold to a local developer.
The campaign was handled by CBRE’s Julian White at a rate of $4,000 per square metre.
“We are witnessing an increasing acceptance of apartment living in suburban markets, particularly in prestigious suburbs such as Glen Iris, where medium house prices of $2 million plus inhibit freestanding home ownership," Julian White said.
He added that developer confidence in the pre-sale apartment market was another driver, as apartment sites in the eastern suburbs become harder to secure and planning permits more difficult to obtain.
“To capitalise on developer demand, group selling is becoming increasingly popular, as homeowners look to partner with neighbours to sell their homes for significantly higher returns than can be achieved by selling sites individually,” White said.
“Both the properties in this instance were purchased less than 18 months ago, with the vendors making big margins of around 100% from what they paid.”
Another major factor impacting the eastern suburban market is the arrival of Chinese developers. 
“Many offshore developers are familiar with the eastern suburbs market through family living in Australia. Suburbs such as Glen Iris, Kew and Canterbury are highly regarded by many locally based Chinese families, therefore when an offshore Chinese buyer is looking to acquire a site, these areas are high on their preference list.
“Whilst 1455 High Street &amp; 2a Scott Grove was acquired by a local developer, the majority of bids received were from offshore Asian groups.”
The Glen Iris sale follows recent group selling deals at South Yarra, Cheltenham and Camberwell.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Glen Iris owners band together for $6.637 million Melbourne sale

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A two bedroom, two bathroom property in Narrabundah was Canberra's most affordable property at weekend auction.
The $420,000 apartment is situated in the leafy inner south suburb of Canberra, eight kilometres from the CBD.
The property last traded in 2006 for $320,000, an annual appreciation of 2.83%. It is currently being leased at $450 per week, a rental gross yield of 5.57 per cent.
Located on the top floor of the Milson complex, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-act-narrabundah-121069330" target="_blank">37/34 Leahy Close</a> features a private balcony and a spa bath.
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Two bedroom apartment Canberra's most affordable sale

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A waterfront property in Cammeray has possibly doubled the suburb's record with a reputed near $15 million sale.
The property was sold by Jo Mineham, the widow of former PricewaterhouseCooper CEO Leigh Mineham.
They bought in 1998 for $2.48 million commissioning architect Susan Rothwell to design the house which was finished in 2006.
The 1,170 sqm holding features boating amenities including jetty pontoon and deep water mooring for a 15.8 metre boat.
The five bedroom, six bathroom family home has private terrace views of Willoughby Bay.
The classically contemporary home features a banquet sized formal dining room and open plan lounge both fitted with fireplaces.
There is a lower level family room with kitchenette and separate bathroom which can be used as an au pair or guest accomodation.
A home office, a climate controlled wine cellar and a fully tiled, gas heated infinity pool are the most luxurious aspects the record breaking house provides.
Until the sale by Richardson &amp; Wrench Mosman agents Stephen Patrick and Geoff Grist, the record for the lower north shore suburb had stood at $7.25 million since 2008.
Leigh Minehan passed away in December 2011, having retired from PWC a year earlier, but remaining a leading light in advice to the insurance sector. He was Chairman of the Queenwood School Board and a Commodore of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia.
The article was first published in the Sunday Telegraph.
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Cammeray harbourfront record price doubles

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Two adjacent properties in Melbourne's Hawthorn East, placed on the market together, fetched $1,770,000 at auction, equating to more than $4,600 per square metre.
The properties at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-hawthorn+east-501745514" target="_blank">5 &amp; 7 Redfern Road</a> comprise a total site area of 384.2 square metres, creating a larger site for future development.
The buyer, a local developer, intends to develop the site into a boutique residential apartment project, subject to planning approval. The site is zoned Commercial 1.
The property, which features two titles and a rear 6.4 metre wide carriageway access, is close to shopping areas, cafes and railway station.
Ian Angelico and Jarrod Moran of CVA Property Consultants sold the property along with the Melbourne Commercial Group.
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Melbourne's Hawthorn East site fetches $1.77 million at auction

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The longtime childhood home of the popular country music trio, the McClymont sisters at Grafton, in northern NSW has been sold.
It's been a while since the three bedroom home hosted them all, so hairdresser mother Toni offloaded the property this month.
Peter and Toni McClymont's paid $45,000 in 1985 for the home which had been in the family with their grandmother since the 1970's. 
It fetched $300,000 when sold to a local first home buying couple through <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-grafton-120174573" target="_blank">Ben Hottes of Ray White Grafton</a>.
He never got to meet the girls saying it had been a long while since they'd been around.
The mayor of Clarence Valley Ritchie Williams maintained it was always a privilege to have the girls back in Grafton.
"We at home are very proud of them and everything they have achieved," he said when they launched their album as special guests at a 2012 mayoral reception.
"I know there are only bigger and better things to come for the girls and we always enjoy the atmosphere they bring with them when they come home," he added.
The country music band have have released four albums and won 10 Golden Guitars and two ARIA Awards, a long way from performing at the Gympie Muster music festival in 1997.
Universal Records signed all three of the sisters in 2006.
Recently the girl's mother Toni said to the girls "you’re probably not going to come back and live in Grafton" acknowledging they're making homes for themselves now.
Brooke McClymont and her musician husband Adam Eckersley have lived in the Central Coast since 2009. They bought their three bedroom property for $227,000 and have since spent $130,000 on extensions to their home which is a short walk from Lake Macquarie shores. 
Mollie McClymont and her husband, Aaron Blackburn bought a three-bedroom house in Wollongong in 2014 for $400,000 with a large rear deck with views of Primbee Bay.
Host of Farmer takes a Wife, Samantha McClymont, who is married to pilot Ben Poxon is yet to show up with any property acquisition although is Lilyfield based. 
The McClymont family home, which had been vacanted by the time of the recent marketing, fetched slightly higher than typical town offering. CoreLogic RP Data put the current median house price at $270,000.
And it was among the few without the popular jacaranda purple tree around Grafton which is a hub of infrastructure activity with the construction of a new bridge, new jail and new highway. 
This article was first published in the Saturday Daily Telegraph.
 
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The McClymont sisters childhood home at Grafton sold

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Melbourne's most expensive home reported over the weekend was sold pre-auction at Balwyn, according to the REIV.
The property at <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/66-gordon-street-balwyn/Property-Details-sold-residential-9699536" target="_blank">66 Gordon St, Balwyn</a> was sold for $4.8 million through James Huang of Phillip Webb Doncaster. 
The six bedroom contemporary home last traded for $3.3 million in 2009. 
The French provincial residence sits on a 724 sqm block on one of Balwyn's most exclusive streets, a short walk to transport and numerous prestigious schooling options.
The estate includes two gated driveways, manicured gardens and a sandstone courtyard accompanied by an alfresco deck and pool.
The finishes include a timber and iron staircase, open fire lounge and Feng-Shui elements.
Balwyn sits third among the 87 suburbs in Melbourne that had a median house price in excess of a million dollars in September quarter 2015, according to the REIV. 
 
<table dir="ltr" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<colgroup>
<col width="160">
<col width="100">
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Suburb"]'>Suburb</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Sep-15 Median"]'>Sep-15 Median</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"TOORAK"]'>TOORAK</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,3950000]">$3,950,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"CANTERBURY"]'>CANTERBURY</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,2430500]">$2,430,500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"BALWYN"]'>BALWYN</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,2281000]">$2,281,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"BRIGHTON"]'>BRIGHTON</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,2222500]">$2,222,500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"ARMADALE*"]'>ARMADALE*</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,2185000]">$2,185,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"KEW"]'>KEW</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,2080000]">$2,080,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"HAWTHORN"]'>HAWTHORN</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,2053000]">$2,053,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"MONT ALBERT*"]'>MONT ALBERT*</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,2035000]">$2,035,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"MALVERN*"]'>MALVERN*</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1985000]">$1,985,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"CAMBERWELL"]'>CAMBERWELL</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1883000]">$1,883,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"PORTSEA*"]'>PORTSEA*</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1875000]">$1,875,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"SURREY HILLS"]'>SURREY HILLS</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1865000]">$1,865,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"BALWYN NORTH"]'>BALWYN NORTH</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1855000]">$1,855,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"EAGLEMONT*"]'>EAGLEMONT*</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1850000]">$1,850,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"CAULFIELD NORTH"]'>CAULFIELD NORTH</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1841000]">$1,841,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"SOUTH YARRA"]'>SOUTH YARRA</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1800000]">$1,800,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"GLEN IRIS"]'>GLEN IRIS</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1785000]">$1,785,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"ALBERT PARK"]'>ALBERT PARK</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1747500]">$1,747,500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"IVANHOE EAST*"]'>IVANHOE EAST*</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1745000]">$1,745,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"HAMPTON*"]'>HAMPTON*</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1725500]">$1,725,500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"CAULFIELD*"]'>CAULFIELD*</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1712000]">$1,712,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"SANDRINGHAM*"]'>SANDRINGHAM*</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1670000]">$1,670,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"HAWTHORN EAST"]'>HAWTHORN EAST</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1661250]">$1,661,250</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"MONT ALBERT NORTH*"]'>MONT ALBERT NORTH*</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1650000]">$1,650,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"MCKINNON*"]'>MCKINNON*</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1630000]">$1,630,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"BRIGHTON EAST"]'>BRIGHTON EAST</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1625000]">$1,625,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"KEW EAST"]'>KEW EAST</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1618000]">$1,618,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"BLACK ROCK*"]'>BLACK ROCK*</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1600000]">$1,600,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"MALVERN EAST"]'>MALVERN EAST</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1600000]">$1,600,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"BOX HILL*"]'>BOX HILL*</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1574000]">$1,574,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"ELWOOD*"]'>ELWOOD*</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1540000]">$1,540,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"ASHBURTON*"]'>ASHBURTON*</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1485000]">$1,485,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"ORMOND*"]'>ORMOND*</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1460000]">$1,460,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"PARK ORCHARDS*"]'>PARK ORCHARDS*</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1445750]">$1,445,750</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"ALPHINGTON*"]'>ALPHINGTON*</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1430000]">$1,430,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"BEAUMARIS"]'>BEAUMARIS</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1410000]">$1,410,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"ST KILDA EAST*"]'>ST KILDA EAST*</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1382500]">$1,382,500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"MOUNT WAVERLEY"]'>MOUNT WAVERLEY</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1380000]">$1,380,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"ELSTERNWICK*"]'>ELSTERNWICK*</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1375000]">$1,375,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"FITZROY*"]'>FITZROY*</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1363000]">$1,363,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"BLACKBURN"]'>BLACKBURN</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1330000]">$1,330,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"IVANHOE"]'>IVANHOE</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1330000]">$1,330,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"DONVALE"]'>DONVALE</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1325000]">$1,325,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"GLEN WAVERLEY"]'>GLEN WAVERLEY</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1319000]">$1,319,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"TEMPLESTOWE"]'>TEMPLESTOWE</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1316000]">$1,316,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"PORT MELBOURNE"]'>PORT MELBOURNE</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1305000]">$1,305,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"DONCASTER"]'>DONCASTER</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1298000]">$1,298,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"CARNEGIE*"]'>CARNEGIE*</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1292500]">$1,292,500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"ASHWOOD*"]'>ASHWOOD*</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1290000]">$1,290,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"PRAHRAN"]'>PRAHRAN</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1290000]">$1,290,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"CARLTON*"]'>CARLTON*</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1271000]">$1,271,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"BALACLAVA*"]'>BALACLAVA*</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1268000]">$1,268,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"MURRUMBEENA*"]'>MURRUMBEENA*</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1257500]">$1,257,500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"BENTLEIGH"]'>BENTLEIGH</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1255000]">$1,255,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"CAULFIELD SOUTH"]'>CAULFIELD SOUTH</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1235000]">$1,235,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"DONCASTER EAST"]'>DONCASTER EAST</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1232000]">$1,232,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"FITZROY NORTH*"]'>FITZROY NORTH*</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1228000]">$1,228,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"BURWOOD"]'>BURWOOD</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1222500]">$1,222,500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"CARLTON NORTH*"]'>CARLTON NORTH*</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1222000]">$1,222,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"WINDSOR*"]'>WINDSOR*</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1215000]">$1,215,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"BOX HILL SOUTH"]'>BOX HILL SOUTH</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1207500]">$1,207,500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"ST KILDA*"]'>ST KILDA*</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1206000]">$1,206,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"ABERFELDIE*"]'>ABERFELDIE*</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1203750]">$1,203,750</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"CLIFTON HILL*"]'>CLIFTON HILL*</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1200000]">$1,200,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"PLENTY*"]'>PLENTY*</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1200000]">$1,200,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"HUGHESDALE*"]'>HUGHESDALE*</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1195000]">$1,195,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"NORTHCOTE"]'>NORTHCOTE</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1138900]">$1,138,900</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"OAKLEIGH EAST*"]'>OAKLEIGH EAST*</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1137000]">$1,137,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"ESSENDON"]'>ESSENDON</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1133794]">$1,133,794</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"BOX HILL NORTH"]'>BOX HILL NORTH</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1132000]">$1,132,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"HEIDELBERG*"]'>HEIDELBERG*</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1120000]">$1,120,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"FAIRFIELD*"]'>FAIRFIELD*</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1106250]">$1,106,250</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"RICHMOND"]'>RICHMOND</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1102500]">$1,102,500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"CLAYTON*"]'>CLAYTON*</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1100000]">$1,100,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"WILLIAMSTOWN"]'>WILLIAMSTOWN</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1100000]">$1,100,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"BENTLEIGH EAST"]'>BENTLEIGH EAST</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1085000]">$1,085,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"STRATHMORE*"]'>STRATHMORE*</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1080250]">$1,080,250</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"OAKLEIGH*"]'>OAKLEIGH*</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1065500]">$1,065,500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"NORTH MELBOURNE*"]'>NORTH MELBOURNE*</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1065000]">$1,065,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"BULLEEN*"]'>BULLEEN*</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1055500]">$1,055,500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"TEMPLESTOWE LOWER"]'>TEMPLESTOWE LOWER</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1044750]">$1,044,750</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"VERMONT SOUTH"]'>VERMONT SOUTH</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1040000]">$1,040,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"BLACKBURN NORTH*"]'>BLACKBURN NORTH*</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1039500]">$1,039,500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"SOUTH MELBOURNE*"]'>SOUTH MELBOURNE*</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1035000]">$1,035,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"MOONEE PONDS"]'>MOONEE PONDS</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1020000]">$1,020,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"BURWOOD EAST*"]'>BURWOOD EAST*</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1004000]">$1,004,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"BLACKBURN SOUTH"]'>BLACKBURN SOUTH</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1000000]">$1,000,000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Source <a href="/news">REIV</a> 
 
</body></html>

Balwyn the home of Melbourne's third most expensive houses: REIV

<html><body>
Success in real estate belongs to the independent thinkers. And that means the select few.
The most predictable market intelligence of the past few weeks is that consumer sentiment about real estate has weakened.
Given the herd mentality in Australian real estate, and the absence of independent thought and action, I would expect sentiment to mirror media reporting trends. If media keeps reporting that “the Australian property boom” is over, I would expect a survey of public sentiment to reflect that.
And, lately, it has. According to the Westpac-Melbourne Institute Index of Consumer Sentiment, public opinion about whether it’s a good time to buy, and about price expectations, has weakened. This apparent dissipation of confidence has coincided with mainstream media deciding that the new core storyline is that the so-called national property boom is over.
What they really mean is that the Sydney boom is over and that is reflected in the generalised national figures much beloved by lazy journalists.
This new and recurrent theme in mainstream media is now being mirrored in responses to surveys about real estate.
It tells us that the average citizen struggles with independent thought. Most are pack animals and more likely to take action because everyone else is than because it makes sense. 
Sometimes it feels like all Australians are connected to a central brain – and not a particularly smart one, either.
Another recent poll that fits this theme is the NAB’s quarterly Australian Residential Property Survey. The generalised results are that sentiment has weakened and people expect price growth to be less spectacular than the past couple of years.
Significant? Not at all. It’s people parroting what they read in newspapers. Will those expectations be marched by outcomes? No it will not - growth won’t stop, but the focus of growth will switch from Sydney to other areas.
While media focused on this downturn in overall generalised simplified public expectations, without segmenting for local differences of which there are many, there are many other things in the NAB quarterly report that are far more significant. 
These are matters of fact, rather than impressions, expectations or predictions.
The NAB report is one of the few that realistically quantifies buying activity by first-timers. It finds that this market segment has increased recently - 26.2% of sales of established properties are made to first-time buyers, compared to 23.7% in the June Quarter. And 28.9% of sales of new properties are being made to first-time buyers.
The NAB report, unlike other less credible sources like the ABS, takes into account that not all first-timers buy homes. A rising number buy investment properties as a first purchase. According to NAB, 15.7% of established properties and 16.4% of new properties are being sold to first-timers as home-buyers. In addition, 10.5% of established properties and 12.5% of new properties are being sold to first-time buyers as investors.
They’re a big chunk of the market, but for many media outlets it’s an inconvenient truth because it contradicts the beloved storyline about the Great Australian Dream being dead because youngsters are priced out of the market. 
As an aside, research from Mortgage Choice has found that most first-home buyers are comfortable with their mortgages, with almost two-thirds saying they could accommodate interest rate rises of at least two percentage points (a quarter of them could cope with a rise of four points).
The NAB report also provides a good snapshot of the activity of foreign investors. It shows that overall they remain quite insignificant as a share of the overall market. They are most active in buying new property, where they account for 16% of sales.
They are most prominent, and this tells its own tale, in the apartment market, especially in Victoria (which means inner-city Melbourne). In Victoria, foreign buyers account for almost a third of all new unit sales. 
It confirms that developers are flooding inner-city apartment markets with new product because they believe they can sell any surplus stock overseas (which means Asia, especially China and Hong Kong). 
Some developers are not bothering to market locally but heading directly overseas to sell their off-the-plan stock.
As time goes by and more projects flood this market, I would expect the foreign purchase component to rise. It’s a warning to Australian investors and home-buyers to steer clear.
 
Terry Ryder is the founder of <a href="https://www.hotspotting.com.au/" target="_blank">hotspotting.com.au</a>. You can <a href="https://mailto:ryder@hotspotting.com.au" target="_blank">email him</a> or follow him on <a href="https://twitter.com/hotspotting" target="_blank">Twitter.</a>
 
 
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terryryder-YECXbqmri2

A warning to Australian investors and home buyers: Terry Ryder

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Guy Fowler, who heads investment at the merchant bank, UBS has sold his Bilgola headland weekender following its mid-week auction.
But the price has been withheld by <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-bilgola+beach-121014642">selling agent David Watson of LJHooker Avalon</a> who was advising inspectees of $3.4 million plus hopes pre-auction.
Set on The Serpentine with infinity edge pool overlooking the sandy beach, the four bedroom property last traded in 2004 for $3.9 million when bought from Bill and Lesley Barry-Cotter.
Guy and his wife Anita live in the record setting $11.5 million Killara property, Deepdene having sold in Pymble for $6 million last year.
This article was first published in the Saturday Daily Telegraph.
 
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UBS's Guy Fowler sells Bilgola headland weekender

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The Astor, Sydney CBD apartment of the late Sir Tristan and Lady Antico fetched $2.15 million at its recent auction. 
<a href="https://sydneysothebysrealty.com/5353918/6-1-125-Macquarie-Street-Sydney" target="_blank">The sixth-floor, three bedroom north-east corner</a> apartment was bought by the Antico's some three decades ago, becoming their home after the trophy mansion Tregoyd in Mosman was sold in 1996 for $11 million.
Sir Tristan, founder of Pioneer Concrete, died in 2004, and his widow Lady Dorothy last year .
Agents David Newgrosh and Tony Barron secured the sale at Cooley Auction.
The pre-auction price guide was between $1.8 million and $2 million. 
Macquarie Street's Astor building has ranked among the most prestigious high-rise apartment block since 1922.
This article was first published in the Saturday Daily Telegraph.
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