Design-led developer-builder Lowe Living has unveiled its latest residential development, Jardin House, marking its first foray into Melbourne's blue-chip City of Boroondara.

Located a short walk from Camberwell Junction, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/jardin-house-by-lowe-living-camberwell-335-camberwell-road-camberwell-vic-3124">Jardin House</a> has been designed to appeal to affluent local downsizers and established families seeking a low-maintenance alternative to the large homes that have long defined Camberwell and surrounding suburbs.

The project will comprise a collection of two and three-bedroom apartments ranging from 92 sqm to 280 sqm, alongside a limited number of penthouse residences featuring rooftop terraces spanning more than 100 sqm, with optional private pools.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372212]

Lowe Living Co-Founder and Managing Director Tim Lowe said Camberwell represented a natural next step for the developer as it expands into some of Melbourne's most tightly held residential markets.

"Jardin House is an important project for our team as it marks the next evolution of our portfolio into different well-established blue-chip pockets of Melbourne," Lowe said.

"Camberwell, with its incredible walkability, family-led neighbourhood feel and superb access to education and transport, makes it a natural choice for us."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372227]

Designed by Tristan Wong Architects, with interiors by Hecker Guthrie and landscaping by Acre, the development takes inspiration from the Art Deco architecture that remains a defining feature of many of Camberwell's established streets.

A curved facade, arched openings, textured brickwork and sculpted forms reference the suburb's architectural heritage, while extensive landscaping softens the building's presence and creates a strong connection to the surrounding tree-lined streetscape.

The project will be set behind a secure gated entrance, with residents arriving through landscaped gardens designed to create a transition between the public realm and private residences.

Inside, the residences feature natural stone and timber finishes, full-height glazing, Miele appliances and generous open-plan living areas designed for long-term owner occupation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372225]

While the apartments themselves have been designed to attract discerning owner-occupiers, it is the amenity offering that sets Jardin House apart from many other boutique projects currently launching across Melbourne.

The centrepiece is a 350 sqm private bathhouse curated in partnership with Aurora Spa &amp; Bathhouse founder Lyndall Mitchell.

The wellness precinct includes mineral pools, hydrotherapy experiences, a Himalayan salt room, sauna, steam room, cold plunge pools and dedicated relaxation spaces, creating what Lowe Living describes as a private wellness retreat exclusively for residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372222]

The collaboration follows Lowe Living's recent partnership with Aurora at Maison Savoy in Brighton, although Jardin House is the first project to incorporate both indoor and outdoor wellness experiences.

Emma Lowe, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Lowe Living, said wellness was becoming an increasingly important consideration for apartment buyers.

"Collaborating with Lyndall Mitchell from Aurora Spa &amp; Bathhouse for a second time is an intentional nod to creating residences that are more than just homes, but a way to enrich the lives of our residents through wellness and longevity," Lowe said.

The amenity offering is complemented by a Technogym fitness studio, residents' lounge, private dining spaces and concierge services.

The launch comes as developers increasingly target Melbourne's established eastern suburbs, where rising land values, ageing housing stock and growing downsizer demand are creating opportunities for boutique apartment projects.

Lowe said the company expects significant generational wealth transfer across suburbs such as Camberwell in coming years, creating further demand for luxury apartment living.

"Camberwell is a blue-chip suburb where homes regularly transact for multiple millions of dollars," he said.

"The generational change of wealth in these locations expected in the coming years is significant, so we see an opportunity to create exclusive residences that appeal to older families and downsizers in order to meet this demand."

Apartments at Jardin house start from $1,195,000. The project forms part of Lowe Living's near-$1 billion portfolio of new developments across Melbourne.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=146717]

Joel Robinson

Lowe Living launches Jardin House in Camberwell

As <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/north-sydney-nsw-2060">North Sydney</a> continues its transition from a commercial centre into a more layered residential and lifestyle precinct, a new generation of apartment developments is reshaping expectations around scale, amenity, and long-term liveability.

Improved transport connections through the Victoria Cross Metro, continued investment in dining and public spaces, and a constrained supply of new luxury apartments have sharpened demand for homes that combine proximity to the CBD with the privacy and outlook traditionally associated with harbourside houses.

At 177 Walker Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aland">ALAND</a>’s new apartment development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-walden-north-sydney-177-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The Walden</a> enters the market with a distinctly residential approach to high-rise living. The 30-level tower will deliver 161 residences, ranging from one-bedroom apartments through to sub-penthouses and a full-floor penthouse, all oriented to capture uninterrupted views across Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, and out toward the Pacific Ocean.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6395]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, the project takes advantage of the site’s natural topography and elevated position above the harbour. Rather than relying on density alone, the architecture focuses on outlook, orientation, and spatial flow, with every apartment occupying a corner position to maximise natural light and cross ventilation.

Rothelowman says the site itself shaped much of the architectural response.

“The site has a long history in terms of its inevitable transformation and when we came in, we took inspiration from the idea of reestablishing a sense of the site’s natural terrain and fall. Our scheme aims to integrate with the terrain and the landscape, using the undulating site to slowly reveal glimpses and views of the harbour. The rotation of the tower off grid means every apartment has a view and is naturally cross ventilated. The building's colour palette is quintessentially Sydney, with bronze and sandstone and a luminescent green colour in the glass, making it very earthy and grounded in its location.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6399]

Inside the residences, the emphasis moves toward larger-format living typically associated with standalone homes. Kitchens sit at the centre of the apartments, connecting directly to open-plan dining and living areas before extending outward into expansive winter gardens and balconies. Calacatta marble, bespoke joinery, integrated appliances, and custom metal detailing are used throughout, while three distinct interior palettes, Terrace, Opera, and Harbour, allow buyers to personalise the spaces without compromising the architectural consistency of the project.

The larger residences place particular attention on separation between entertaining and private zones. In many apartments, master suites occupy the outer corners of the floorplates, allowing bedrooms to benefit from floor-to-ceiling glazing and harbour outlooks independent of the living spaces. Dressing rooms and ensuites continue the material palette through fluted detailing, freestanding baths, and layered stone finishes.

Rothelowman says the design intent centred on creating homes that feel enduring rather than transient.

“Our philosophy is all about the way people live in these spaces, and we wanted to create homes that reflect the quality of life in this unique Sydney location. The apartments showcase expansive living spaces that are generous, sophisticated, and bold, with the ability to connect with views throughout each apartment.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=353235]

A separate four-storey amenity building known as The Pavilion expands the residential offering beyond the apartments themselves. Positioned alongside the tower, the building consolidates wellness, recreation, and social spaces into a dedicated resident retreat. Facilities include a 20-metre rooftop pool and sundeck, sauna, spa, ice bath, wellness studio, gymnasium, concierge service, wine cellar, residents’ lounge, private dining spaces, and dedicated co-working areas with meeting rooms and boardroom facilities.

The amenity mix reflects the buyer profile emerging in North Sydney, where owner-occupiers and downsizers are increasingly prioritising convenience, apartment scale, and long-term usability over purely investment-driven decisions.

The Walden also represents a significant milestone for ALAND, marking the company’s first major move into Sydney’s inner-city luxury apartment market after more than two decades delivering large-scale residential communities across Greater Sydney. Founder Andrew Hrsto says the Walker Street site stood apart because of both its positioning and its rarity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6390]

“As a company, we had been searching for a site in one of Sydney’s blue-chip locations, spanning the Eastern Suburbs, the Sydney CBD and the North Shore, and when we had the opportunity to purchase this site, we immediately recognised that it could be something iconic.”

At launch, The Walden recorded more than $103 million in sales, with buyers drawn to the project’s harbour positioning, apartment scale, and proximity to the Metro, which now connects North Sydney to Barangaroo in three minutes and Martin Place in five.

ALAND has commenced construction, and is expecting a completion date in 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134323]

The Walden pairs house-scale living with North Sydney connectivity

The ACT will become the first jurisdiction in Australia to abolish stamp duty for all first home buyers, with no income caps and no property price thresholds from 1 July.

The move, announced as part of the ACT Budget, completes a key election commitment from the Barr Government and removes what Chief Minister Andrew Barr described as one of the biggest barriers to entering the housing market. The reform forms part of the ACT's long-running transition away from transaction taxes and towards a broader-based property tax system.

"This budget marks a major milestone in our long-term tax reform program," Barr said, adding that the government had maintained a sustained focus on removing barriers to home ownership. He said stamp duty had long been one of the largest upfront hurdles facing buyers and that from July, "that barrier is gone" for first home buyers in the Territory.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139989 project_image_fid=350986]

The changes come alongside a range of measures designed to encourage new housing supply, including support for the delivery of so-called "missing middle" housing such as terraces, townhouses and low-rise multi-unit developments.

The announcement has renewed debate around whether the ACT's approach could provide a blueprint for improving housing affordability nationally.

New research from OurTop10.com.au, conducted by Primara Research, suggests the Territory's decade-long reform agenda has produced outcomes unmatched elsewhere in Australia.

While stamp duty costs have increased by an average 67 per cent nationally over the past decade, the ACT has recorded growth of just 15 per cent, the lowest increase of any jurisdiction.

The Territory has also emerged as one of the strongest performers on housing delivery. Based on population-weighted housing targets, the ACT is sitting less than one per cent behind its target. Victoria is the next closest at seven per cent behind, while the national average sits 25 per cent below target. New South Wales is tracking 39 per cent behind.

The latest reform removes one of the final barriers facing first home buyers in Canberra.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139989 project_image_fid=359152]

The average Australian home buyer currently pays $61,714 in stamp duty. In the ACT, that figure is $38,399 despite the Territory having the third-highest median house price in the country.

Until now, the ACT's first home buyer concession scheme only applied to purchases up to $1.02 million, around $51,000 below Canberra's median house price of $1.071 million. In practical terms, many first home buyers were unable to access the median-priced home without losing the concession.

From July, those restrictions disappear.

Every first home buyer in the ACT will pay no stamp duty, regardless of income or purchase price.

Canberra remains one of Australia's most expensive housing markets, with dwelling values increasing 82 per cent over the past decade. However, that growth ranks only 11th among Australia's 15 major housing markets, suggesting affordability pressures have been less severe than in many other parts of the country.

Simon Ma, CEO of OurTop10.com.au, said the latest reforms recognise that many first home buyers have simply outgrown thresholds set years ago.

"Many first home buyers aren't just looking for a way onto the ladder, they want a home their family can actually live in," Ma said.

"In a market where the median house price is over a million dollars, a concession scheme that cuts out at $1.02 million was never going to get them there.

"Removing the ceiling entirely means ACT first home buyers can now pursue the home they actually want, rather than limiting themselves to a price point designed for a very different market."

Whether other states follow remains to be seen. But at a time when most jurisdictions are struggling to improve affordability while also increasing housing supply, the ACT has quietly become the national test case for both.

15% stamp duty growth. Just 1% off the national housing target. Zero stamp duty for FHBs. Is the ACT the blueprint for the great Australian dream?

ACT abolishes stamp duty for first home buyers

A rooftop pool and spa overlooking the Brisbane CBD, private dining spaces, expansive landscaped gardens and a residents' lounge are set to crown <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/callista-on-park-west-end-49-mollison-street-west-end-qld-4101">Callista on Park</a>, the final residential building within Brisbane's West Village precinct.

The rooftop amenity collection has been designed as an extension of the lifestyle already established throughout West Village, providing residents with a series of indoor and outdoor spaces that capitalise on the building's elevated position above West End.

A swimming pool and heated spa form the centrepiece of the rooftop offering, surrounded by landscaped gardens developed through a collaboration between developer Sekisui House and ASPECT Studios. The design incorporates expansive lawn areas surrounded by English garden-inspired planting.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134800 project_image_fid=370648]

Residents will also have access to two barbecue and outdoor dining areas positioned to take advantage of views across Brisbane's skyline, neighbouring Mollison Park, and the surrounding inner-city landscape.

For larger gatherings, the rooftop includes a private dining room centred around a substantial stone island bench, complete with a full kitchen and a 10-seat dining table set beneath four-metre-high ceilings. The space has been designed to overlook both the rooftop gardens and the Brisbane CBD skyline.

A separate residents' lounge provides an additional indoor retreat connected to the broader rooftop amenity offering, creating another space for residents to work, relax or entertain guests.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134800 project_image_fid=370647]

The attention to detail extends beyond the rooftop.

Upon arrival, residents will enter through a lobby featuring a bespoke ceiling light installation developed in collaboration between Sekisui House and Alcorn Middleton Architecture. The arrival experience is complemented by private resident mailboxes and carefully considered interior finishes designed to reflect the premium positioning of the building.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134800 project_image_fid=372541]

The amenity offering forms part of Callista on Park, the final residential release within the decade-long transformation of the former Peters Ice Cream Factory site into West Village, one of Brisbane's most established mixed-use communities.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> and being delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/hutchinson-builders">Hutchinson Builders</a>, Callista represents the most premium residential offering within the masterplanned precinct.

Construction is now entering its final stages, with scaffolding beginning to come down and completion expected in the first quarter of 2027.

Prices for the three-bedroom plus MPR apartments start from just over $2.6 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134800 project_image_fid=351535]

Callista will mark the final opportunity to purchase within West Village, where residents have direct access to more than 35 retail, dining, wellness and medical operators including Harris Farm Markets, Woolworths, Function Well and Goodlife Health Clubs, Metro Arts, and a growing collection of restaurants and cafés.

Located just 800 metres from the Brisbane CBD, the precinct also places residents within walking distance of South Bank, West End's dining scene, riverfront parklands and major public transport connections.

For Sekisui House, which has delivered more than two million homes globally, Callista serves as the concluding piece of the West Village masterplan, bringing together the precinct's heritage character, parkland setting and emphasis on walkability in a final collection of larger-format residences.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134800]

Rooftop pool, private dining and skyline gardens to crown West Village's final apartment release, Callista on Park

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/wahroonga-nsw-2076">Wahroonga</a>’s enduring appeal has long been tied to its balance of bushland, established amenity, and access to some of Sydney’s most respected education and healthcare institutions.

Along Fox Valley Road, that combination is becoming increasingly sought after by buyers looking to remain connected to the Upper North Shore lifestyle while prioritising walkability, wellbeing, and convenience.

Developer Capital Corporation's initial vision of a 62-hectare site on Fox Valley Road was that they could create their own walkable community, bordered by&nbsp;more than 25 hectares of bushland and adjoining Coups Creek.

<img alt="Wahroonga" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b84917a1-0d75-49b9-888c-ddf7ebfd6692" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/NEW2026_Wahroonga_Walkway.gif?VersionId=Gk3_xi5ssYfalmwuQQ5umQakddceC31j" />

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-residences-at-wahroonga-estate-169-fox-valley-road-wahroonga-nsw-2076">The Residences at Wahroonga Estate</a> draws directly on the area’s natural landscape, with walking trails and green corridors linking into sections of Lane Cove National Park. The surrounding network of bushwalks, cycling tracks, and reserves reinforces the suburb’s long-standing reputation as one of Sydney’s most nature-oriented residential pockets, while still maintaining close ties to village retail and transport infrastructure.

The address places residents within minutes of Wahroonga and Turramurra villages, where cafés, local grocers, boutiques, and everyday services support a highly localised lifestyle. Popular nearby venues including The Fox Café and Breeze Valley Café provide easy options for morning coffee or casual dining, while longstanding retailers such as IGA Wahroonga Fresh and Novella Fine Books continue to anchor the area’s village character.

&nbsp;

<img alt="Wahroonga" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c4a950f7-4f05-4370-b360-b106359788e5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/2026_Wahroonga_Entry_Gates.gif?VersionId=7n5kh9ymu.azYEYDemJkPgiIAfSw44oj" />

Healthcare access remains one of the defining locational advantages of the estate. Sydney Adventist Hospital, known locally as The San, sits directly adjacent and is one of the largest and most respected private hospitals in New South Wales. The hospital precinct incorporates specialist medical services, radiology, physiotherapy, and outpatient care, contributing to growing buyer demand from downsizers and owner-occupiers seeking long-term convenience and peace of mind.

Research commissioned by Capital Corporation found that health and wellbeing considerations are increasingly influencing downsizing decisions, particularly among buyers wanting to remain within familiar neighbourhoods while accessing medical infrastructure more easily.

Education has also historically underpinned demand across Wahroonga and the broader Upper North Shore. The estate sits close to several of Sydney’s leading private and independent schools, including Knox Grammar, Abbotsleigh, Barker College, Pymble Ladies’ College, Ravenswood School for Girls, and Loreto Normanhurst. Co-educational options including Wahroonga Adventist School and Sydney Adventist School further strengthen the area’s appeal to established families looking for long-term schooling pathways within a tightly held catchment.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135247 project_image_fid=262183]

Transport connectivity supports the suburb’s liveability without compromising its quieter residential character. Wahroonga and Turramurra train stations provide direct rail access into the Sydney CBD, while the nearby Pacific Highway and M1 motorway strengthen links across the North Shore and broader metropolitan area. At the same time, the heavily treed streetscape and low-density character continue to distinguish the precinct from more urbanised parts of Sydney.

The Residences at Wahroonga Estate forms the first stage of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/capital-corporation">Capital Corporation</a>’s broader masterplanned vision for the precinct, delivered alongside the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135247 project_image_fid=364995]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/group-gsa">GroupGSA</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/coco-republic-interior-design">Coco Republic</a>, the development integrates landscaped communal spaces including a pet-friendly Green Spine, resident lounge, BBQ pavilion, and direct bushland access, reinforcing the project’s focus on outdoor connection and community-based living.

Now under construction by Gold Star iCIRT-rated builder <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/dasco-australia">DASCO</a>, The Residences at Wahroonga Estate will deliver a collection of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments priced from $990,000, with completion anticipated in 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135247]

Capital Corporation to cater to Upper North Shore downsizers by creating walkable community at The Residences at Wahroonga Estate

The Block: Fans V Faves

<html><body>
The Killarney Vale couple Kara and Kyal Demmrich - contestants on Channel Nine's The Block Albert Park series - have listed their NSW Central Coast home.
It is home to the keen surfers and their kelpie Jonah, since they bought in 2008, <a href="https://instagram.com/p/ykn5G9yo63/" target="_blank">having married in February 2007</a>.
It has been listed for <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.au.open2view.com/properties/341968" target="_blank">24 February auction</a>. 
Meanwhile the latest Block series The Block Triple Threat fell short in its first real test, beaten by My Kitchen Rules with a 1.59 million debut audience and The Block watched by 802,000, in Monday night's OzTam ratings. I am a Celebrity - Get Me Out Of Here - was watched by 755,000.
Agent Chantel Laing-Chadwick at George Brand Real Estate Avoca Beach/Copacabana says its is an "architectural masterpiece".
She emphasised the soaring high ceilings and generous use of open plan living.
"This cleverly designed home is drenched in sunlight from the floor to ceiling windows," said Laing-Chadwick.
It features four bedrooms, plus a study and separate loft area. 
There is a level 715 square metre block with room for a pool. 
Last year the couple appeared in The Block: Fans v Faves as the so-called Super Ks.
Around the time of the April Albert park auction, the couple indicated they were planning to launch a boutique renovations company called Diverse Design and Construct. The couple also suggested they were considering a move from their home in the Tuggerah Lakes precinct.
“We haven’t thought about it too seriously, but our long term goal is to get ourselves as close to the coast as possible. So we’re thinking about selling, maybe in the next 12 months," Kyal told Property Observer.
The Super Ks were given the highest reserve of any apartment – $1.9 million – after a stellar number of winning challenges and room reveals.
But they finished third behind Steve and Chantelle and Alisa and Lysandra on auction day.
None the less they indicated they could pay off the mortgage with their $567,250 in prize money.
And the couple started their own business to help others with home renovations, a goal they had before entering the show.
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

The Block fans Kyal and Kara list Killarney Vale architectural masterpiece

<html><body>
The latest series of The Block Glasshouse tried to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.
And the reduced pool of savvy potential buyers - and bidders - didn't buy into all the associated hype as the final three auction results limped over their reserves.
With a $1.6 million average sale price - reflecting around $6900 a square metre - it actually almost succeeded, though the viewing public was deprived if they only desired uplifting show business hoopla.
It was thwarted in the end by its b-grade High Street, Prahran location. For Sydneysiders it would be like flogging prestige apartments on Parramatta Road, Annandale, which has very nice houses away from its busy thoroughfare, though without the trams. Certainly Prahran and some of its Chapel Street is a cosmopolitan suburb, but not quite everywhere yet in the immediate neighbourhood.
The most profitable selling market would have been student style - or Gen Y workers - rather than vast luxe given its proximity to Swinburne University with the 6 route tram out front and the railway very close via the Percy Street garage exit.
So the deep-pocketed baby boomer buyers that are the traditional recent Block apartment auction attendee either understandably didn't turn up or showed suitable reserve and mostly kept their hands in their pockets given the mediocre Prahran location. Couldn't imagine the baby boomers heading a few doors along to Misty’s Diner, a genuine American diner right next door to a <a href="https://www.theworkscarwash.com.au/theworks/" target="_blank">hand car wash</a> at what one blogger recently described as <a href="https://filluponbread.net/2014/06/26/mistys-diner/" target="_blank">the bleaker end of Prahran High Street</a>.
The local gay population didn't appear to embrace much of the Glasshouse either.
Also property success is often premised on population trends so those big three bedroom apartments were perhaps oversized for the very obvious Prahran composition of households without children. It sits at around 70% compared to the 50% Melbourne average. Ditto the lone person households category in the last census sat at around 40% of Prahran households compared with the Melbourne 23% average. There were just the 99 households in Prahran with five or more occupants.
Also RP Data puts the median Prahran apartment price at <a href="/news">around $510,000</a>, and going backwards a bit after its recent peak, presumably because of the enormous increase in newly constructed stock. Prahran houses have a $900,000 median. Just across High Street is for instance, ART, a block of 50 apartments that has incorporated supposed hip art into its eastern facade ands its foyer after a Facebook page where people could vote for their favourite. <a href="https://www.artprahran.com.au" target="_blank">Designed by ROTHELOMWMAN for developer Crema</a>, ART included 26 one-bedroom apartments, 23 two-bedders and the three-bedroom, two-bathroom penthouse. 
The one-bedroom apartments range from 51 square metres to 76 square metres; the two-bedroom apartments from 69 square metres to 87 square metres; and the penthouse was marketed as 160 square metres. Back in 2011 the off the plan prices for all but the penthouse ranged from $346,000 to $719,000, so from $6700 a square metre to $9400 a square metre. The penthouse fetched $1.16 million on its June settlement, so around $7250 a square metre. The former petrol station-turned residential development was offloaded by the Deague family at $5.5 million after they scrapped plans to build a hotel as part of its "art" series chain. 
The much desired $2 million plus hopes for the Glasshouse proved elusive. One Melbourne buyers' agent has egg on their face for suggesting the $2 million likelihood even on auction eve when the feedback ought have been obvious.
"This is reality … the property market is the one thing we can't control," bemoaned decor consultant Shelley Craft during the Channel 9 telecast.
“Something happened ….that’s not easily explained by me or frankly by anyone else,” producer Julian Cress told easily convinced, naive newspaper reporting attendees, adding they used the same valuer in each and every series.
The full results:
<ol>
<li>Simon and Shannon, 2/125 High Street: $1.9 million ($335,000 over adjusted reserve)</li>
<li>Chris and Jenna, 2/121-127 High Street: $1.81 million ($310,000 over reserve)</li>
<li>Maxine and Karstan, 3/121-127 High Street: $1.71 million ($40,000 over reserve)</li>
<li>Michael and Carlene, 1/125 High Street: $1.39 million ($10,000 over reserve)</li>
<li>Deanne and Darren, 6/121 High Street: $1.38 million ($10,000 over reserve)</li>
</ol>
The further into the auction finale - and the more Scottie slumped into his couch - viewers got to see just how hit and miss property renovation success can be when buyer demand doesn't go deep enough for the ill-suited, over supply.
They were lucky all five apartments of The Block Glasshouse were sold under the hammer at their Prahran onsite auction, as the extended last offering brought flooding back memories of the Richmond auction disaster in 2011 when just one of the four Block cottages sold under the hammer.
But with metres of floor space over five floors, the Prahran building was almost double the size of the historic Dux House warehouse renovation at 47 O'Grady Street, Albert Park which the Watercress production company bought from billionaire businessman Lloyd Williams last year for $5.9 million. It was perfect for their flush buyer mix. 
<a href="/news/substance-over-style-as-chantelle-and-steve-win-the-block-2014-fans-v-faves">The Block Fans v Faves results</a> which secured a $9.6 million total in April were as follows:
<ol>
<li>Steve and Chantelle, 1/47 O’Grady: $2.47 million ($636,000 above the adjusted reserve)</li>
<li>Alisa and Lysandra, 3/47 O’Grady: $2.375 million ($616,000 above the adjusted reserve)</li>
<li>Kyal and Kara, 2/47 O’Grady: $2.44 million ($567,250 above the adjusted reserve)</li>
<li>Brad and Dale, 4/47 O’Grady: $2.31 million ($507,250 above the adjusted reserve)</li>
</ol>
It was a similar success at The Block Sky High too at 142 Park Street, South Melbourne parkland which secured five sales totalling $7.6 million, with Watercress having retained the sixth apartment, after paying $6.71 million for the four-star bizMOTEL, which closed its doors in late 2012.
 
<ol>
<li>Apartment 5 Trixie &amp; Johnno – $1.605 million - $205,000 over reserve</li>
<li>Apartment 4 Madi &amp; Jarrod – $1.601 million - $291,000 over reserve</li>
<li>Apartment 3 Bec &amp; George – $1.507 million - $242,000 over reserve</li>
<li>Apartment 2 Matt &amp; Kym – $1.455 million - $250,000 over reserve</li>
<li>Apartment 1 Alisa &amp; Lysandra – $1.435 million - $295,000 over reserve.  
</li>
</ol>
So the High Street Glasshouse office block now has six split-level, atrium apartments above two retail/restaurants premises after the production company, Watercress spent $8.25 million on the 1980s office building. The $2.5 million Brenchley Architects infill works schedule was mostly internal, and then the constantant couples spent their renovation funds.
The $8.2 million auction proceeds covered the initial outlay with Watercress retaining the sixth apartment plus two street front retail premises. And then there is all the ad revenue for Channel 9.
The winning Glasshouse apartment at 4/125 High Street, renovated by brothers Simon and Shannon Vos, had a southerly aspect overlooking busy, noisy High Street, so it was the hipster fit out that seemed to work in its favour.
The 249 square metre apartment was the second largest of the five on offer.
It's priced reflected the top $7630 a square metre.
Chris and Jenna with their runner-up offering had 277 square metres of floor space, making it the biggest apartment in The Block. But with just skylights and an internal terrace along with the rooftop terrace. It's price was $6530 a square metre.
Max and Karstan had the apartment at 3/121-127 High Street Prahran, with a sunny north-westerly aspect. The couple also have an extra little, almost useless room. The sale worked at to be $7125 a square metre as their apartment was 236 square metres of floor space.
Michael and Carlene's apartment at 1/125 High Street has 236 square metres of floor space, and a southerly aspect. It was the poorest price at $5890 a square metre.
Deanne and Darren's apartment, 6/121 High Street, was the smallest on The Block, with just 186 square metres of floor space.
But it, however, had the most desirable aspect, facing northward and delivering city views. Its sale price reflected $7,419 a square metre, the second placed by square metreage.
Each apartment will also have 70 square metres of private storage and two car spaces.
Viewers saw it was a very close shave exceeding the reserve for the threesome of the contestant couples.
And there were two terrific over-reserve results on High Street in the ninth series of the Channel 9 series. 
It appeared the order of sale again impacted the result as it did in past series where investors, rather than home buyers, were at the fore, but this time it favoured those who went up in the auction order.
The first series of The Block in Bondi Beach back in 2003 came after the $1.95 million four block acquisition through the Channel 9 company. 
Such has been the success of the reality television renovation stress series that nowadays that doesn't even come close to the current day renovation costs. 
The next series at Darling Street, South Yarra might work out ok, though it is cheap serviced apartment heartland. Then onwards to the <a href="/expert-insights/investing/the-block-south-yarra-octagonal-hotel-saville-mystery">still unconfirmed Octagonal</a> which will be anyone's guess as to how it goes!
*Jonathan Chancellor, the Property Observer editor at large, has been closely following The Block since its 2003 Bondi Beach debut series.
Property reality television shows can inspire and create controversy and drama, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some lessons to learn. Here’s our latest free eBook with tips, tricks and information we’ve gained from <a href="/images/stories/marketing/ebooks/PO-ebook-RealityTV.pdf?utm_source=Property+Observer+List&amp;utm_campaign=e7c94f84fa-16_September_2014&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_a523fbfccb-e7c94f84fa-" target="_blank">property game shows</a> through the years. 
 
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Not enough bidding baby boomer buyers to boost B-grade location in The Block Glasshouse 2014 auction results

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SPOILER ALERT 
No winner reveal within - so mild spoiler alert from Property Observer - but Sunday night's The Block Glasshouse finale will nicely illustrate just how hit and miss property renovation success can be.
All five apartments of The Block Glasshouse were sold under the hammer earlier today at their Prahran onsite auction, Property Observer understands.
<a href="/expert-insights/building/smashing-win-for-simon-and-shannon-in-the-block-glasshouse-auctions-results">Brothers Simon and Shannon took out the $100,000 prize at the auctions of The Block Glasshouse.</a>
But viewers will see it was a very close shave exceeding the reserve for some of the contestant couples.
While there is no official confirmation ahead of the Sunday night broadcast, the five results bettered Melbourne's overall 73% auction success rate which was recorded this weekend amid the 820 auctions reported to the REIV. 
And there were terrific over-reserve results on High Street in the ninth series of the Channel 9 series. 
But I note one of the weakest sales finished just 6% up on its opening bid before the hammer came down.
"It is extremely good buying at this level," the auctioneer vainly suggested.
Another took over 30 minutes to secure the sale for little over reserve.
It appeared the order of sale again impacted the result as it did in past series where investors, rather than home buyers, were at the fore.
The auction saw Darren and Deanne, Michael and Carlene, Max and Karstan, Chris and Jenna and Simon and Shannon compete to get the highest price over their respective reserves.
The winning couple will receive $100,000 in addition to the huge profit they made over reserve.
Reserves were determined officially prior to the renovations, and the in the game that followed each couple also got the chance to discount these reserves when completing the building’s final “secret” apartment which may be retained by the show's production company.
Maxine and Karstan received a $30,000 cut to their reserve price, as did Deanne and Darren. Michael and Carlene’s reserve was discounted by $20,000, while Simon and Shannon received a $10,000 discount.
Chris and Jenna did not get placed in the top three at either stage of the challenge, and so missed out.
I thought the judge Darren Palmer gave a very good summation of the factors that were likely to influence the result - a balancing act of southerly versus internal versus northerly aspect, weighing up square meterage, views and amenity, <a href="/expert-insights/buying/darren-palmer-says-max-and-karstan-might-triumph-on-the-block-glasshouse">he noted in his LJ Hooker blog</a>.
But that was before the buyers, the agents, the buyers agents, and the auctioneers did their stuff. 
The much desired $2 million plus proved elusive.
*Jonathan Chancellor, the Property Observer editor at large, has been closely following The Block since its 2003 Bondi Beach debut series <a href="/expert-insights/buying/not-enough-bidding-baby-boomer-buyers-to-boost-b-grade-location-in-the-block-glasshouse-2014-auction-results">with f</a><a href="/expert-insights/buying/not-enough-bidding-baby-boomer-buyers-to-boost-b-grade-location-in-the-block-glasshouse-2014-auction-results">ull analysis of the results</a> to follow the Sunday night broadcast.
Property reality television shows can inspire and create controversy and drama, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some lessons to learn. Here’s our latest free eBook with tips, tricks and information we’ve gained from <a href="/images/stories/marketing/ebooks/PO-ebook-RealityTV.pdf?utm_source=Property+Observer+List&amp;utm_campaign=e7c94f84fa-16_September_2014&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_a523fbfccb-e7c94f84fa-" target="_blank">property game shows</a> through the years. 
 
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The Block 2014 auction results in not quite five gold stars at the Glasshouse Prahran: SPOILER ALERT 

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The rookie renovators took out the $100,000 prize on top of a $636,000 profit on the series finale of The Block: Fans v Faves.
Despite copping the lion’s share of the criticism this season, Geelong couple Steve O’Donnell and Chantelle Ford attracted the highest price for their warehouse conversion which sold for $2.47 million.
All four apartments on The Block sold within a relatively small price margin, with Brad and Dale bringing up the rear with $2.31 million.
The results were as follows:
<ol>
<li>Steve and Chantelle, 1/47 O’Grady: $2.47 million ($636,000 above the adjusted reserve)</li>
<li>Alisa and Lysandra, 3/47 O’Grady: $2.375 million ($616,000 above the adjusted reserve)</li>
<li>Kyal and Kara, 2/47 O’Grady: $2.44 million ($567,250 above the adjusted reserve)</li>
<li>Brad and Dale, 4/47 O’Grady: $2.31 million ($507,250 above the adjusted reserve)</li>
</ol>
The top two teams would hardly have minded losing the final challenge to Kyal, Kara, Brad and Dale, who got $27,250 lopped off their reserve price against the twins’ and Steve and Chantelle’s $16,000 reserve cut.
Steve and Chantelle originally preferred apartment 2 for its city views, but after losing a coin toss to Kyal and Kara, chose apartment 1. While Kyal and Kara’s apartment at 2/47 offers both a sunny northerly aspect and city views, 1/47 also sits at the northern street side of the warehouse, with the advantage of windows all along the building’s western side.
Despite the team’s inexperience and the criticisms levelled against their styling credentials, the apartment’s stellar location had them take out the major prize. As one property expert commented, “You can change the furnishings, but you can’t change the aspect.”
But it seemed that perhaps one of the greatest factors at play was the order in which the auctions took place, with prices ascending with each successive auction. Each team nominated their position in the proceedings, with Brad and Dale choosing to go first, followed by Kyal and Kara, then Alisa and Lysandra before Steve and Chantelle.
By volunteering for final position, the winning couple were able to take advantage of buyer desperation with all other apartments already sold.
Proceedings opened with Brad and Dale’s apartment, auctioned by Karl Gillon of Buxton Albert Park. A vendor bid was placed at $1.75 million, finishing at $2.31 million. Kyal and Kara’s apartment was auctioned by Warwick Gardiner of Greg Hocking Holdsworth, who brought in $2.44 million for the married couple. Next was Alisa and Lysandra’s tri-level, auctioned by Anton Wongtraken of Dingle Partners, who handled the sale of their winning apartment on The Block: Sky High. 
Steve and Chantelle’s auction by David Wood of Hocking Stuart saw two buyers’ agents locked in a bidding war, with Block mainstay Frank Valentic of Advantage Property Consulting securing the final apartment for a young couple at $2.47 million. The result makes Steve and Chantelle's profit margin the highest ever seen in The Block's 11 year history.
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Substance over style as Chantelle and Steve win The Block 2014 Fans V Faves

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After months of watching the four teams of The Block: Fans v Faves battle it out to produce the best apartment, viewers will tomorrow night finally get to see which property beats the rest.
Closure will come a little earlier for the contestants themselves, with the Albert Park apartments going up for auction at 5pm tonight. While there will be plenty of spectators, Property Observer guesses that self-represented buyers won’t be the major bidders of tonight’s auction.
The big players are likely to be the usual suspects of Melbourne’s buyers’ agent scene. Frank Valentic of Advantage Property Consulting will be there; the buyers’ agent has been <a href="https://twitter.com/FrankValentic" target="_blank">busy on Twitter</a>, posting pictures of himself and his kids with contestant Dale and host Scott Cam on his tour of the apartments. 
Viewers may remember Frank from last year’s The Block: Sky High, where he bid on all five apartments, successfully securing the final apartment renovated by Matt and Kim for a single woman from Glen Iris.
As for which team will win, the final result will be anyone’s guess.
KYAL AND KARA
<blockquote>
Kyal and Kara's- First impressions count, and this might not cut it. 
</blockquote>
While Kyal and Kara’s apartment at <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/2-47-o-grady-street-albert-park/Property-Details-buy-residential-6831567?gclid=CMW7svjcz70CFUchpQodXVkA9Q" target="_blank">2/47 O’Grady Street</a> (pictured below) has the best upstairs terrace by far, with high quality finishings, their living area feels the smallest of all the four apartments. While we noted <a href="/expert-insights/the-block-on-show-at-this-weekends-open-for-inspection">after the open for inspection</a> that this wasn’t such a bad thing, first impressions do count with buyers – and two storeys up is a long way to travel for the eventual return.
<img src="/images/2014/04/08/2%2047%20albert%20park%20april%208%20one.jpg" alt="">
ALISA AND LYSANDRA
<blockquote>
Alisa and Lysandra's- Light-filled but perhaps not one for emotional buyers.
</blockquote>
The twins’ <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-albert+park-116350463" target="_blank">apartment at 3/47</a> (pictured below) makes itself known immediately upon entering, with its huge light filled kitchen. However, the void is compensating for the apartment’s south-west aspect, and eats up space from the bedrooms. While the finishings in their apartment are high quality, the bedroom spaces in particular do feel quite cold, which may turn off emotional buyers.
<img src="/images/2014/04/08/1.jpg" alt="">
STEVE AND CHANTELLE
<blockquote>
Steve and Chantelle's- Despite teething problems, there's value to be had. 
</blockquote>
While Steve and Chantelle’s struggles were well documented on-screen, in reality <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/property/for-sale/apartment-unit-flat/vic/albert-park/?adid=2011049155" target="_blank">their apartment</a> (pictured below) has a great northerly aspect and is well planned. While some of the furnishings and styling choices may read a little tacky, a smart buyer with value in mind will disregard the superficial details of 1/47 and recognise its underlying value.
<img src="/images/2014/04/08/15.jpg" alt="">
BRAD AND DALE
<blockquote>
Brad and Dale's- Leaves a strong impression and is a strong contender.
</blockquote>
Brad and Dale’s <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/4-47-o-grady-street-albert-park/Property-Details-buy-residential-6799205" target="_blank">apartment at 4/47</a> (pictured below) is clean, bright, and makes a strong impression. In particular, its living room and kitchen area feels expansive, with high ceilings and bright décor. The boys have been smart to accentuate the size of their kitchen and living areas and their master bedroom. 
<img src="/images/2014/04/08/3.jpg" alt="">
At Property Observer, our money is on Brad and Dale, on the strength of their living and kitchen spaces and terrace views, with Steve and Chantelle's bright apartment coming in second.
Before tomorrow's finale, brush up on The Block with our highlights from the season:
<a href="/expert-insights/buying/kyal-demmrich-on-the-trials-and-triumphs-of-the-block">Kyal Demmrich on the trials and triumphs of The Block</a>
<a href="/expert-insights/the-block-on-show-at-this-weekends-open-for-inspection">The Block on show at this weekend's open for inspection </a>
Open for inspection: The Block Fans v Faves doors open to the public this weekend
<a href="/news/raw-timber-and-red-brick-industrial-design-on-the-block">Raw timber and red brick: Industrial design on The Block</a>
<a href="/news/art-styles-for-apartment-d-cor-lessons-from-the-block">Art styles for apartment décor: Lessons from The Block</a>
<a href="/news/creating-the-perfect-new-york-style-loft-lessons-from-the-block">Creating the perfect New York style loft: Lessons from The Block</a>
<a href="/news/vic/five-renovation-lessons-from-last-nights-the-block-fans-v-faves">Five renovation lessons from last night's The Block: Fans v Faves</a>
 
 
 
 
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On the auction Block: Our faves for the finale

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An independent depreciation assessment of the four apartments up for auction next week has identified significant potential deductions for The Block’s buyers.
BMT Tax Depreciation has undertaken a depreciation assessment on each of the <a href="/news">Albert Park</a> apartments completed on this season of The Block and found that each offers major deduction opportunities, with potential first year deductions of about $50,000.
According to BMT Tax Depreciation managing director Bradley Beer, the renovated properties could be underlying goldmines for buyers. 
"An investor purchaser could claim a minimum of $46,281 and a maximum of $53,995 as an average first year depreciation deduction for one of the four properties," said Beer.
Beer says that despite legislation allowing all owners of income producing property to claim depreciation deductions for the wear and tear of their property and its contained assets, 80% of property investors fail to take full advantage of their depreciation deduction entitlements.
"Investors who don't claim depreciation are missing out on thousands of dollars in their pockets," said Beer.
BMT Tax Depreciation also prepared depreciation reports for the 2012 and 2013 Block properties.
The four apartments on O’Grady Street in Albert Park will be auctioned on Tuesday April 8, with the results airing on Channel 9 on Wednesday April 9.
 
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Hidden depreciation opportunity for The Block: Fans v Faves properties

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There’s less than a week until the four apartments of The Block: Fans v Faves go up for auction, and fan team Kyal and Kara are in great shape to take out the big prize. With experience and some serious dollars on their side, the so-called Super Ks have carried out a veritable blitzkrieg on their Block competitors.
This week, the couple added their rooftop terrace to their room win list, which stretches longer than that of any other team this season. Their huge terrace not only boasted the best fittings, including a mirrored splashback and granite benchtops in their outdoor kitchen, but also city views. 
According to carpenter Kyal, the terrace is the highlight of their apartment.
“We’re probably the most proud of our rooftop terrace,” said Kyal. “That’s part of the reason we picked that apartment, just because it had that aspect and that view. We worked really hard on it and have done something really amazing, and hopefully that’s reflected on the auction day.”
With a slightly smaller downstairs living area than the other teams, the Ks have thrown all they have into the upstairs terrace space, and it shows. <a href="/expert-insights/the-block-on-show-at-this-weekends-open-for-inspection">On open for inspection day</a>, it was the only terrace that didn’t feel crowded despite the masses of spectators, with ample cooking, dining and living space.
Kyal says that if the couple had their time again, they wouldn’t change any of their decisions.
“We often ask ourselves what we would do if we had the opportunity to pick another apartment,” he said. “But we keep coming back to that aspect and that view. The downstairs terrace has really amazing arched windows at the front – we’re so glad we picked that apartment.”
Thanks to a killer run throughout the competition, the Ks have managed to collect a tidy sum of prize money which was poured back into their property.
“We’re so proud of what we’ve achieved, and received a lot of good feedback, especially with the finishes. We’ve obviously pumped an extra $50,000 into our apartment, so we’ve been able to get high quality furnishings, high quality appliances,” said Kyal.
But it wasn’t just the extra money that put Kyal and Kara ahead of the pack. As a carpenter, Kyal brought his construction experience to the competition which, along with Kara’s formidable design chops, gave the team an edge.
“Being a carpenter helped us out a lot, especially with time. The other teams would have to stop when their builders went home, but we could keep going round the clock if we needed to,” said Kyal.
Nevertheless, it wasn’t all easy for the team, who struggled along with all the other contestants with The Block’s punishing schedule.
“The toughest week was the week we did the loungeroom/dining room hallway and virtually completed the entire downstairs, and then did the upstairs. That was back to back. So finishing off the interiors was the toughest thing. Especially with the stairwell - we had all the timber work going up the stairwell, going 10 metres high.”
As for life after Tuesday’s auction, the couple are planning to launch a boutique renovations company called Diverse Design and Construct. Kyal says that the couple are considering a move from their home by Tuggerah Lakes on New South Wale’s central coast.
“We haven’t thought about it too seriously, but our long term goal is to get ourselves as close to the coast as possible. So we’re thinking about selling, maybe in the next 12 months.
“Obviously we’ve put so much work into renovating our own home though, so it might be tough to see that go.”
Kyal and Kara’s apartment at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-albert+park-116390163" target="_blank">2/47 O’Grady Street, Albert Park </a>will be selling at auction on Tuesday April 8.
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The Block: Fans V Faves

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