Repeat buyers are one of the strongest measures of confidence in any apartment development.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> in Newcastle West, some purchasers are returning to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> after living at the developer's One Apartments. Their decision to purchase again was driven by the quality of life they found after moving into their first GWH home.

Keith Wilton had spent years living in a house in East Maitland before deciding it was time for a change. Apartment living had always been on his radar, but he was selective about what he wanted.

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"I had some boxes I wanted to tick," he says.

Keith points to the open-plan design, generous outdoor areas and considered inclusions as key reasons One Apartments worked for him.

“One of those things was a nice indoor open plan area, but also I wanted a nice outdoor open area that I could entertain on in summer or Christmases or birthdays,” he says.

He also found value in the smaller details, from integrated appliances to shared resident spaces including the pool, cinema and rooftop areas.

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After comparing several developments, he chose One Apartments because of GWH's longstanding local reputation and his own experience working with the developer on a commercial project more than a decade earlier.

"I knew that they were local, that the quality of the build was going to be up there. I'd looked at other apartment complexes around and close by, and I just knew that here was a better decision location wise."

Today, Keith says the move has completely changed how he experiences Newcastle.

"I enjoy living in this location because it's more of a lifestyle change. That Newcastle city living where you can walk to restaurants and bars and even beaches and parks and even shopping across the road."

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Beyond the location, he says it's the sense of community that has surprised him most.

"Everyone loves living here because they chose to live here, but everyone looks out for each other. It's a real great community feel here."

For Aimee and Lyle Goodman, the journey started almost by chance.

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The couple happened to be having coffee in Newcastle when they noticed the site where One Apartments was about to begin construction.

"We were aware GWH was planning a development," Aimee says. "We made one phone call and things moved pretty quickly after that."

As busy business owners, they initially thought apartment living would simply reduce the maintenance that came with larger homes. Instead, it fundamentally changed how they spent time together.

"We actually catch up more as a family now," Aimee says.

"We've had homes with big yards and lots of space, but everyone ended up in different rooms. Here we'll have dinner together, the kids can play, and we spend far more quality time together."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356829]

Lyle says their confidence came from GWH's reputation within Newcastle's building industry.

"I know people who've worked across different apartment projects, and whenever GWH came up the feedback was always the same. They're rock solid. They're quality."

That confidence only grew throughout the buying process.

"One of the things that really impressed us with GWH was the whole process, was the communication," Lyle says. "It was consistent, it was regular, there was no problem if we had some weird questions, there was no problems in getting answers."

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Aimee says one moment stood out.

"The project actually finished on time. We realised we needed to hurry up and sell our house because everything was happening exactly when they said it would."

The positive experience at One Apartments ultimately gave all three buyers the confidence to purchase again with GWH, this time at ERA.

Their confidence reflects what many buyers are seeking in today's apartment market. Location remains important, but so too does certainty around delivery, quality and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356822]

ERA builds on those foundations with 280 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two landmark towers in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle West</a>.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>, the project will include more than 2,000 square metres of resident amenities, including a resort-style pool, gym, sauna, private cinema and rooftop entertaining spaces overlooking the harbour and coastline.&nbsp;

The development is also within walking distance of the Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle, Darby Street, the harbour foreshore, restaurants, retail and the city’s beaches, continuing the walkable lifestyle that existing GWH buyers say has transformed how they live.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356826]

For Keith, the appeal remains straightforward.

"You feel at home even before you've moved into your home."

For Aimee, the change is measured in time.

“I just felt like I had more time,” she says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351102]

Construction at ERA is now underway, with more than half of the residences already sold and limited two and three-bedroom apartments remaining in the East Tower release. Priced from $980,000 for two-bedroom residences and $1.46 million for three-bedroom residences, buyers can secure an apartment with a 10 per cent deposit, with premium homes offering ocean views from Level 8 and harbour views from Level 10.

ERA is also backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing protection against structural or waterproofing defects for 10 years after completion. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135096]

Joel Robinson

From ONE to ERA: Why buyers are choosing GWH again in Newcastle West

Virgate Property Group is preparing to commence construction of Verdé, its new apartment development in Melbourne's Arts Precinct at Southbank, following a strong run of sales that has seen more than half of the project's 173 apartments secured.

Verdé has attracted a broad mix of first home buyers, owner-occupiers upgrading from nearby inner-city suburbs and investors, with younger owner-occupier couples aged between 28 and 45 accounting for the strongest enquiry. Many are already living in Southbank, South Melbourne, Albert Park, Port Melbourne, South Yarra and the CBD.

"Verdé is located in one of the most desirable pockets of southern Melbourne," Blair Property Group Director Darren Blair, who is managing sales at Verdé, said.

"It's within walking distance of the Arts Centre, Royal Botanic Gardens, Albert Park Lake, and Southbank's restaurants and retail. It's a great lifestyle location with strong amenity and liveability, which made it a very attractive choice for the project."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372549]

Virgate was already familiar with the precinct, having previously delivered the successful Domain House development in neighbouring South Melbourne. That experience gave the developer confidence to acquire the Coventry Street site and continue expanding its presence in Melbourne's inner south.

"We had been keeping an eye on the site and the broader precinct for a few months before deciding to move forward with the acquisition," Virgate said.

The project was ultimately secured in 2020 following feasibility studies, planning assessments and due diligence, with the brief centred on delivering "a high-quality, considered design that feels both refined and fit for purpose."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=314259]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bruce-henderson-architects">Bruce Henderson Architects</a>, Verdé comprises 173 one, two and three-bedroom apartments priced from $599,000. The architecture is distinguished by a faceted glass façade that responds to both the site's outlook and Melbourne's changing light conditions.

According to Bruce Henderson Architects, the coloured glazing gives the building a distinctive identity while also providing privacy and solar shading, with residences oriented to capture views across the bay, city skyline and surrounding parklands.

Inside, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/designoffice">DesignOffice</a> has created interiors focused on natural light, efficient planning and enduring materials. Apartments feature engineered oak flooring, natural stone benchtops, floor-to-ceiling glazing and SMEG appliances, while a restrained material palette aims to complement the expansive outlooks rather than compete with them.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372550]

Resident amenity has also been designed around everyday functionality rather than occasional use. Facilities include a concierge-serviced lobby, residents' lounge with fireplace, library and co-working space, gym, terrace garden with barbecue facilities, ground-floor café, and package delivery management.

The project's location continues to be one of its strongest drawcards. Positioned on Coventry Street, Verdé sits within walking distance of the National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne, Royal Botanic Gardens and Albert Park Lake, while Southbank's dining precinct, Sturt Street trams and the new ANZAC Station are all nearby. The surrounding education catchment also includes Melbourne Grammar, Melbourne Girls Grammar, Mac.Robertson Girls' High School and several major university campuses.

The sales team says buyers have responded particularly well to the combination of location, design quality and long-term liveability.

"They're responding really positively to the quality of the design, premium resident amenities and the uninterrupted views. Many also appreciate the location and how connected it is to everything they need."

The ability to secure stamp duty savings before completion has also been a key factor for purchasers, alongside the opportunity to personalise finishes ahead of settlement.

With construction set to commence soon and more than half the apartments already sold, Verdé enters its next phase as one of the Arts Precinct's more established apartment developments, offering remaining buyers an opportunity to secure a residence before construction advances further. Expected completion is scheduled for late 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=4661]

Virgate's Verdé Southbank moves toward construction as sales fly past halfway stage

Downsizer-focused apartment development Kooyongkoot in Hawthorn has been recognised at the 2026 Better Future Melbourne Design Awards, taking home Gold and Silver awards in two categories.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a>, currently being delivered by developer PQD and designed by Cera Stribley, received Gold in the Interior Design – Proposed category and Silver in the Architecture – Proposed category.

The dual recognition reflects the design approach behind the boutique development on prestigious Kooyongkoot Road, where the focus has been on creating homes for downsizers seeking the space, quality and functionality of a detached house within a low-rise apartment building.

Rather than maximising apartment numbers, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pqd">PQD</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a> limited the development to just 18 residences, allowing for larger floorplans, greater privacy, generous landscaping and expansive communal spaces.&nbsp;The majority of the apartments also benefit from corner aspects, allowing for dual sources of natural light.

Now around 70 per cent complete and on track for completion in November 2026, Kooyongkoot will comprise a mix of garden residences, ter​race apartments, sub-penthouses, and is crowned by two half-floor penthouses with direct lift access and private rooftop terraces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355297]

The Silver Award for Architecture recognised the way the building responds to its prominent corner position at the ent​rance to Hawthorn's Scotch Hill precinct, one of Melbourne's most established residential neighbourhoods.

Rather than competing with the grand homes that line Kooyongkoot Road, the architectural approach focused on restraint and longevity, using curved brickwork, generous landscaping and carefully considered proportions to integrate with the existing streetscape.

"The form feels fluid and timeless, as though shaped by the landscape itself – architecture that belongs, rather than competes," said Chris Stribley, Co-Founder and Managing Principal of Cera Stribley.

The judging submission also highlighted practical innovations throughout the building, including lift cores servicing only nine homes each, a central landscaped lightcourt designed to bring daylight and ventilation into the building, and fully enclosed private storage rooms with lighting, power and shelving to better accommodate residents transitioning from larger family homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355293]

The Gold Award for Interior Design recognised the project's focus on long-term liveability rather than display-home aesthetics.

According to the awards submission, the interiors were designed from the inside out, prioritising how homes would function over decades of daily use through generous proportions, practical storage, durable natural materials and flexible layouts.

The specification includes natural stone throughout, upgraded acoustic glazing, V-ZUG appliances and fully enclosed storage rooms, alongside an amenity offering focused on wellness, entertainment and everyday convenience.&nbsp;

Residents will have access to a gym and yoga studio, a wellness centre featuring traditional and infrared saunas, a cold therapy shower and treatment room, as well as a residents' lounge and golf simulator/cinema room for entertainment.&nbsp;Kooyongkoot has also considered the everyday convenience of its residents by offering a private carwash and pet wash facilities on site as well as dedicated parcel lockers and oversized fully enclosed storage rooms.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355303]

The project's attention to detail has already resonated with buyers. Earlier this year, Kooyongkoot recorded one of Boroondara's highest apartment sales when an $8 million penthouse was purchased by a Melbourne CEO downsizing from a nearby family home.

"Every detail feels deliberate, from the overall design down to the smallest touches," the purchaser said.

"The level of quality and refinement is exceptional, but what really sold it was how liveable it felt... It felt like a place where everything had been considered, not just a luxury building."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355304]

Sustainability also formed a key part of both award submissions. Kooyongkoot is targeting a minimum 7.5-star NatHERS rating across all residences, supported by passive design principles, high-performance glazing, EV charging infrastructure, water reuse systems and a wellness model focused on lower-energy dry facilities rather than pools and large wet areas.

Located within walking distance of Scotch College, Methodist Ladies' College, Koo​yong Lawn Tennis Club, Aubur​n Village and Camberwell Junction, Kooyongkoot continues to target owner-occupiers looking to remain in Melbourne's inner east without compromising on space or quality. A limited selection of two, three and four-bedroom residences remains available, with prices starting from $1.9 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102717]

Kooyongkoot wins Gold and Silver at Better Future Melbourne Design Awards

New apartment supply has become increasingly constrained across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150">Parramatta</a> in recent years, with fewer projects progressing through to completion as development conditions have become more challenging.

It makes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/novm">NOVM</a>'s 2021-completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/the-lennox-parramatta-12-phillip-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">The Lennox</a> one of the most recently completed residential towers on the Parramatta River, and among the newest apartment developments in Sydney's second CBD.

With the project largely completed before the sharp escalation in construction costs and inflation following the pandemic, The Lennox is now offering pricing that would be difficult to replicate in a comparable new development in Parramatta today, or across much of Western Sydney.

The majority of the 413 apartments at The Lennox sold before and shortly after completion. A limited release of the remaining apartments has recently been brought to market by capital partner <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a>, with entry-level pricing from $700,000 and two-bedroom apartments available from under $1 million.

Rising above the Parramatta River at 12 Phillip Street, The Lennox comprises one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, appealing to first home buyers, young professionals, families, downsizers and interstate investors seeking a completed apartment in one of Australia's fastest-growing economic centres.

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Rather than positioning Parramatta as an alternative to Sydney's CBD, Equitifund believes the city has reached a point where it stands on its own merits.

"Parramatta is no longer simply an alternative to Sydney CBD, it's becoming a destination in its own right," Equitifund Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said.

"The Lennox captures that evolution with a level of quality and amenity that's difficult to match at its price point."

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Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/marchese-partners">Marchese Partners</a>, the tower responds directly to its riverfront setting through expansive glazing and open-plan layouts that maximise views across the Parramatta River and city skyline. Interiors feature engineered timber flooring, stone benchtops, stainless steel appliances and floor-to-ceiling glazing, while generous balconies extend the living spaces outdoors.

Marchese Partners says the project was conceived to balance high-quality apartment living with practical, long-term functionality, pairing larger, efficient floorplans with amenities more commonly associated with five-star hotels.

That emphasis continues through the resident facilities, which include a 20-metre rooftop swimming pool, fully equipped gym and wellness spaces, full-time concierge, a residents' lounge, function room, private lifts, secure basement parking and rooftop communal areas overlooking the Parramatta River. Ground-floor boardwalk retail and dining further activate the riverfront and integrate the building into the surrounding public realm.

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Australian housing and finance group Equitifund has secured the remaining apartments, believing there are few completed apartment opportunities in Parramatta that offer the same combination of location, amenity and pricing.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett says buyers are increasingly recognising that premium apartment living no longer needs to come with Sydney CBD pricing.

"The Lennox is where aspirational living becomes attainable," Hamblett said.

"Wake to river and mountain views, step into Sydney's Second CBD, and arrive home to resort-calibre amenities, all without the harbour price tag."

Hamblett says owner-occupiers are also attracted by the convenience of having Westfield Parramatta, Church Street's dining precinct, Parramatta Park, Riverside Theatres, Western Sydney University and major transport connections all within walking distance.

"At The Lennox, lifestyle is not an afterthought, it is the foundation."

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The Lennox places residents within walking distance of Parramatta Square, Westfield Parramatta, Church Street Eat Street, Parramatta Station, the ferry wharf, Light Rail, the future Sydney Metro West, Parramatta Park and CommBank Stadium, reinforcing Parramatta's position as one of Australia's most connected metropolitan centres outside Sydney's CBD.

Equitifund says buyers visiting the display suite consistently comment on the quality of the finishes, generous floorplans, river and skyline views, and the walkability of the location. The project has attracted a broad mix of local professionals, upsizers, downsizers, buyers relocating from Sydney's inner suburbs and interstate investors seeking long-term growth opportunities.

That demand aligns with Parramatta's continued evolution as an economic powerhouse. Equitifund Research and Market Insights specialist John Bekiaris says sustained population growth, infrastructure investment and expanding employment opportunities continue to support long-term housing demand across the city.

"Parramatta has evolved from a satellite city into one of Australia's most important economic centres. Population growth, infrastructure investment and employment are all supporting sustained long-term housing demand."

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The apartment price gap drawing Sydney buyers west

A luxury beachfront apartment at Rainbow Bay has more than doubled in value since it sold off the plan six years ago, setting a new local apartment record in the process.

The three-bedroom apartment in the Flow development on Petrie Street, the first of four new projects locally by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects, has sold for $7.4 million, after originally selling for $3.27 million when the project launched in 2020.

The seventh-floor apartment, comprising 187 sqm of internal living space and a 54 sqm balcony overlooking Froggies Beach and Snapper Rocks, was purchased by a local family.

The transaction was negotiated by Pezet Matheson director Kerry Pezet and equates to more than $30,000 per sqm.

Pezet said the sale reflected the limited opportunities to buy into the boutique beachfront development.

"The sale highlights the rarity of opportunities within the boutique beachfront development, where residences seldom become available," Pezet said.

"Flow is one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held buildings. Buyers from our database move quickly when residences become available, and achieving an off-market sale at $7.4 million demonstrates the depth of demand for property of this calibre."

<img alt="Flow" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c585b206-2130-4eee-a50c-3f27c51a7c70" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-06%20at%208.33.25%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=m3pHRDV62Y3fvN.XQuQHq.52ilTWpRLf" />

Flow was the first of four luxury apartment developments delivered by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay and was completed in 2023.

Positioned on the beachfront overlooking Snapper Rocks, the residence includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a powder room and views stretching north along the coastline towards Surfers Paradise.

Pezet Matheson Residential principal Mitchell Lambert said buyers continued to prioritise quality beachfront apartments in tightly held locations.

"Flow Residences offers a rare combination of elevated beachfront positioning, architectural excellence, comprehensive resident amenity and premium finishes, which is exactly what discerning purchasers are seeking," Lambert said.

"The transaction further reinforces Rainbow Bay's reputation as one of Australia's premier coastal lifestyle destinations, where limited supply and growing demand continue to support strong market performance."

Pezet Matheson originally marketed and sold out Flow off the plan, making the latest transaction a return to one of the project's original buyers.

Paul Gedoun is selling his third project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, after recently completing, and selling out, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a>. He has plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">fourth building</a>, 88 apartments on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Boundary Street</a>.

Rainbow Bay apartment doubles in price since off the plan sale during pandemic

Trophy Sale

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<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-bondi+beach-127378798" data-reactid="117"></a>
A brand new Bondi Beach home with striking facade and cutting-edge design has been sold well before its late February auction.
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-bondi+beach-127378798" target="_blank">O'Brien Street home</a>, that fetched $3.85 million, was bought last year by Tom Cull, founder and director of Bondi-based building firm TC Build.
He paid $1.6 million and went about creating the innovative home.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/2/6/bondi2.jpg" alt="">
The home was crafted from off-form concrete and natural timber in a minimalist design.
It has three bedrooms and an attached studio office. A courtyard adjoins the swimming pool.
James Ball and Shane Scicluna at Ballard Property marketed the property. 
 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Brand new Bondi Beach home sells pre-auction

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A Bridgeman Downs trophy home has sold for $4.9 million through Place Estate.
Agent Sarah Hackett had 20 Priestley Road on the market for less than 30 days.
The home came with oversized living areas and the resort-inspired pool.
The sale is the second highest for the suburb as 58 Retreat street, Bridgeman Downs holds the suburb record, having sold through Place for $4,960,000 last year.
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Bridgeman Downs trophy home sold for $4.9 million

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One of only five apartment residences in the harbourside Kurraba Point, Wallaringa Mansions ranked as the week's top sale after a sale on Australia Day eve.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-nsw-neutral+bay-127352910" target="_blank">McGrath agent Claudia Portale</a> secured $3,325,000 for the semi style apartment with leafy harbour views. 
It last sold in 2014 at $2.36 million, so reflecting 10% annual growth.
It sold at $2.2 million in 2007.
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Kurraba Point, Wallaringa Mansions ranks as the week's top sale through McGrath

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Singaporean businessman CK Ow has offloaded his Vaucluse harbourfront mansion but the unconfirmed $67 million sale price fell short of his hopes of bettering Sydney's $71 million record price.
There were even reports of $80 million prospects in mid-campaign marketing articles.
Despite the hoopla of attracting interest from potential buyers from as far away as New York, India and Beijing, the deal was struck with a local buyer on Sunday some eight weeks after it quietly hit the market.
The price gain, before costs, reflected 10 percent annual price growth at around $18,000 per sqm.
It formally ranks as Australia's third priciest house sale.
Mr Ow, chairman and chief executive of Singaporean hotel owner and developer Stamford Land Corporation Limited, bought Phoenix Acres, a 3731sq m site with six-bedroom, six-bathroom home at 38B The Crescent 22 years ago for $7,001,000 from the Braham family.
Agents were hoping to better tycoon James Packer's 3300 sqm non-harbourfront mansion, also in Vaucluse which sold in 2015 for $70 million, and in April this year John B Fairfax family's Elaine estate on 7000 sqm in Double Bay that sold for its still standing $71 million record.
Elaine's selling agent Ken Jacobs noted recently Sydney had returned to a "normal trophy market" in which local buyers or people with residency and local businesses have dominated the top purchases.
It was not completely clear why Ow listed the home through the overly ambitious Ray White Double Bay at a time when the Sydney market was showing demonstrable signs of fatigue.
“Sadly, I do not spend sufficient time there to enjoy this jewel of a property as my travels take me to many other far reaches of the world," was the official word from Ow.
Fairfax's Domain recently noted attuned agents had concluded foreign buyers had been increasingly turned off Sydney’s top-end real estate market by steeper foreign-buyer taxes along with tighter capital controls also making it harder to move funds out of China for top draw acquisitions.
Had Phoenix Acres sold to a foreign buyer it would have incurred around a $700,000 fee to FIRB, plus an extra $10 million in purchase duty and premium property duty payable on foreign buyers, along with a likely annual land tax of around $2 million.
The initial marketing advised the Sydney mansion "<a href="https://www.raywhite.com/is-this-australias-most-expensive-house/" target="_blank">is likely to break the Australian house price record</a>."
Post-sale agent spin quickly saw the Ow sale instead pitched as a national "waterfront" record because the $71 million Elaine is on absolute beachfront without any jetty and the $70 million hillside La Mer is a non-waterfront.
There is no confirmation on the near $67 million suggested selling price either, just an advisory "contracts have now been exchanged for a record price making it the highest residential waterfront sale of all time." 
The grand Altona in Point Piper held the mantle having fetched $61.8 million in 2016.
The Phoenix Acres site was originally a public park with a wharf ferry service to Circular Quay before the legendary publisher Ezra Norton built his mansion, then known as Albemere, in the mid-1960s.
It set a record $370,000 price when first sold in 1968, having also been the highest then build costing an estimated 250,000 pounds.
The top sales of 2017 were headed by Elaine.
The top 10 sales were in Sydney's eastern suburbs, with one sale north of the Harbour Bridge in 11th place following the $22.45 million sale of Pick a Box Mosman waterfront estate to Vaucluse property developer boss Bryan Rose.
Ken Jacobs has an unsold Rose Bay estate listed with record setting aspirations. 
Straddling five land titles with a frontage to Rose Bay beach, the 4000 square metre property belongs to Adrienne Dan, the wife of eminent Sydney neurosurgeon Professor Noel Dan.
It comes with two houses, pool and a tennis court.
 
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CK Ow's Phoenix Acres falls disappointingly short of aim to secure Sydney record price

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The longtime Northwood home of late Australian artist Lloyd Rees headlined weekend auctions. 
There were six registered bidders, but in the end only two took part.
Bidding opened at $2 million with it knocked down at $2.46 million to an inner west couple expecting their first child.
<div class="wp-caption">The rustic studio below the three-bedroom home remained untouched following his 1988 death until the Art ­Gallery of NSW removed the art studio’s ­contents. The gallery had 800 of his works.</div>
The home was offered for sale by Rees’ Hobart-based son Alan Rees and wife Jan.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/12/14/REES2.jpg" alt="">
There had been $2.2 million price guidance from McGrath agent Brent Courtney.
Having travelled to Eur­ope in the 1920s, Rees bought the Cliff Rd building block in 1934 for £300, then had the Italianate villa-style home constructed.
Rees had bought the <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-northwood-126946806" target="_blank">Cliff Road block</a> in 1934 for £300, and designed the Italianate villa-style house as his family home.
Rees and his wife Marjory lived there until 1986 when they moved to Tasmania. Marjory died soon after and Lloyd died two years later.
The property is registered for its historic significance with Lane Cove Council.
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Northwood home of the late artist Lloyd Rees sells at auction

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Behind the white picket fence, a single level, Neil Robertson architect designed home has been listed in Peppermint Grove in Western Australia.
Built in the classic character style, the charming cottage exterior has been maintained over the last 20 years since its construction.
The formal front garden at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-peppermint+grove-126493478" target="_blank">2 Harvey Street</a> was designed in the style of leading Australian landscape gardener Paul Bangay.
There are established fruit trees of mango, citrus, pomegranate and macadamia.
Set on 750 square metres, the home has four bedrooms, three bathrooms. 
The charming cottage exterior belies the size and scale of the interior, the Peter Burns at Mack Hall listing agency said.
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Neil Robertson-designed home in Paul Bangay gardens at Peppermint Grove

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A Hastings Street apartment in Noosa Heads has sold at auction for $6.9 million, the priciest apartment sale in the area this year.
The three bedroom set in the <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-qld-noosa+heads-126422934" target="_blank">pricey Twenty Three Hastings</a> block on the popular tourist strip last traded for $7.2 million in 2015.
The last sale in the block of three came in 2015 when the apartment above fetched $6.9 million.
Overlooking Laguna Bay, the whole floor apartment with media room and elevator access has unobstructed views of the water.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/11/24/Hastings2.jpg" alt="">
It was marketed by Tom Offermann at Tom Offermann Real Estate as a lavish penthouse-style apartment, offered fully furnished.
It is one of the only whole floor apartments on the beachfront and Hastings Street.
Offermann says the level of interest in Noosa is the highest he's ever seen.
"We benefit from Brisbane, interstate and overseas interest, and while we usually have interest from one or two of those places at any one time, all those areas are converging on Noosa right now due to the strength of the markets in places such as Sydney and Melbourne.
"Noosa offers a very large disparity in value compared to those areas," he adds. "There's simply nothing like it." "Noosa Heads has experienced the highest median price growth for Qld over the past year at 12.2%, so Noosa is on the move again with a long way to go."
He is asking $7.5 million for the north facing apartment which has been a $1125 a night rental.
The street record came in 2006 when Perth based Michael and Suzanne Hodgson paid $8.2 million for an apartment in the tightly held Noosa Court building.
The top recorded settlement this year has been $2.6 million. Last year's top apartment sale was $7.6 million in The Breakers complex.
 
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Noosa Hastings Street apartment sells for $6.9 million at auction

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The team at Selling Houses Australia has transformed an 18th century church in Black Hills, 110 kilometres north east of Adelaide, after it had been on the market since this time last year.

The marketing through Ennis Partners North Adelaide agent Richard Colley now suggests <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-acreage+semi+rural-sa-black+hill-124145650" target="_blank">it is under contract</a> after having a price tag of $250,000.

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Colley said it received limited buyer interest over the past year despite its strong potential as a holiday investment.

&ldquo;We&rsquo;ve previously had the property on the market but I will admit, it was looking pretty sad,&rdquo; Colley told realestate.com.au.

&ldquo;One day, we were approached by Selling Houses Australia to do a TV program and renovate the church. The result is just &hellip; wow!

<img alt="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/11/27/living.jpg" style="font-size: 12.16px;" />

&ldquo;It&rsquo;s gone from a place that was okay to being completely transformed and ready for someone to move in or rent out as a holiday investment.&rdquo;

Before the makeover by Andrew Winter, Shaynna Blaze and Charlie Albone, the former Black Hill Lutheran Church on Black Hill Road.

The two bedroom property, freshly painted, now features a brand new tiled bathroom, upgraded kitchen, wooden floorboard and several living spaces.

<img alt="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/11/27/bathroom.jpg" />

The two bedroom church sits on 4,000 sqm and was purchased in the early 2000&#39;s and converted in to a private residence.

&ldquo;The vendors purchased the property to run as a holiday home but unfortunately, due to personal circumstances, it didn&rsquo;t work out that way,&rdquo; Colley said. 
&ldquo;The property is a great buy and we did have some interest, predominantly from buyers with a low-economic background but they just couldn&rsquo;t get the finance approved.

&ldquo;They people we&rsquo;re looking at target now, following the transformation, are a completely different demographic.

&ldquo;I think the way it stands now, the property will appeal to investors who see value for money as the property is only located an hour from Adelaide and the Murray River is less than 18km away.&rdquo;
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Andrew Winter's Selling Houses Australia church transformation under contract

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Eastern suburbs property developer Eduard Litver has spent more than $18 million on Sundorne, the Bellevue Hill trophy home sold by the Cranbrook School.
Litver has been based in one of the apartments in the Bondi Pacific, the Campbell Parade project he developed with Rebel Property Group's Allen Linz.
Cranbrook School were set to expand when they paid $15.5 million in 2013 at auction, but the plans never eventuated. It sits on 2,550 sqm across the road from the school.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/11/24/Sundorne.jpg" alt="">
Built in the 1920s, the English manor-style residence had been the home of the late arts philanthropist Claire Dan.
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-bellevue+hill-126518154" target="_blank">Victoria Road home</a> has six bedrooms, five bathrooms and a swimming pool and tennis court on the parcel.
Ray White Double Bay agent Elliott Placks sold the home in conjunction with LJ Hooker Double Bay agent Bill Malouf.
Litver has plans to renovate the house, or either build a new home, before leaving Bondi.
Litver and Allen developed the old Swiss Grand Hotel at Bondi Beach.
Apart from previously holding the top price record for an apartment in Australia, the likes of Gina Rinehart and NRL star Sam Burgess own in the Bondi development.
 
 
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Property developer Eduard Litver buys Bellevue Hill trophy Sundorne

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Glassyn, a Cross Street, Mosman trophy home has fetched possibly close to a $16 million sale.
Settlement figures will show the <a href="https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:Gta4aGUsbcUJ:https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-mosman-126717710+&amp;cd=1&amp;hl=en&amp;ct=clnk&amp;gl=au" target="_blank">Federation residence</a> sold for one of the suburb's priciest homes off the harbour.
The non-waterfront record has stood since 2012 when BridgeLane Group's Markus Kahlbetzer paid $18 million for his Mandolong Road home.
Brendan McAssey, the childcare entrepreneur, bought the Alex Popov-designed house next door last year for $17.3 million.<a href="https://www.domain.com.au/news/childcare-boss-brendan-mcassey-buys-neighbouring-property-in-balmoral-beach-for-173-million-20170303-gupf1b/"></a>
McGrath Mosman agents Michael Coombs and John Melville sold the Glassyn which last traded for $11 million in 2006.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/11/23/Cross2.jpg" alt="">
It has five bedrooms, six bathrooms and sits on a 2040 sqm parcel amid park-like gardens which feature level lawns and a swimming pool.
A wrap around verandah and alfresco spaces offer views out to the water.
The living areas feature two studies, a library and a billiard room. There's also a large wine cellar.
Glasslyn was the non-waterfront home of Nanuk Asset Management director Paul Chadwick and his wife Giselle who had tried to sell this time last year, initially with hopes of between $16 million to $17.5 million.
Meanwhile there are $6 million to $6.5 million hopes held by blogger Angela Galloway for her 1899 Federation home.
Richard Simeon of Simeon Manners will take the property to auction on December 2.
 
 
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