There’s a quiet patch of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/hawthorn-vic-3122">Hawthorn</a>, between the bustle of Glenferrie Road and the curve of the Yarra, that rarely sees change, and even more rarely, new apartments. But that’s exactly where <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pomeroy-pacific-quattro-corp">PQD</a> is planting Kooyongkoot: a deliberate, 18-residence answer to the question of what downsizers actually want.

“This is something this pocket of Hawthorn has never seen before,” says Fil Gacesa, head of sales at PQD. “<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a> will deliver just 18 large-scale apartments in the heart of Hawthorn. It is the true definition of resort-style living.”

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/59D7VxzltmM?si=1iCzRD7FRneKryfv" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

That scale is central to the story. It’s what allows for two dedicated lift cores, short corridors, and a generous lightcourt that draws natural ventilation and sunlight into every residence. It’s also what makes room for the sort of amenity usually confined to high-density towers: a fully equipped wellness centre with infrared and traditional saunas, yoga and pilates studio, cold therapy shower, and treatment room. There’s a golf simulator, car and dog wash stations, and extensive storage too, not bolted on, but baked in from the start.

But more than the checklist, it’s the design intent that carries weight. “This project has been many years in the making,” says Mark Pomeroy, Director of PQD. “Not just in planning, but in listening, to what our buyers and the local community are looking for”.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355289]

That listening shows up in the materials, oak floors, natural stone, V-ZUG appliances, and in how space is handled. Penthouses feature private rooftop terraces with pools. Terraces and garden residences embrace outdoor connection. Inside, the layouts skew large and open, geared for hosting, not just housing.

Architecturally, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a>’s approach is grounded. There’s no reaching for spectacle here. Instead, the building offers a sculptural calm, anchored by landscaping from Eckersley Garden Architecture.&nbsp;

“We wanted to create spaces that feel expansive, serene, and meaningfully connected to daily life,” said founding partner Chris Stribley elsewhere.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355304]

That sentiment, calm, connection, echoes in the location itself. Kooyongkoot sits just a short stroll from Central Gardens, Fairview Park, and the Rivoli Cinema. Tram lines and schools are close, but the street is tucked, quiet, and leaf-lined.&nbsp;

“Residents of Kooyongkoot will be a short stroll from Fairview Park, Central Gardens, and the Glenferrie Road retail strip," Gacesa notes, "but you're also cocooned in this peaceful pocket behind extensive landscaping by Eckersley Garden Architecture.”

Kooyongkoot is set for completion in late 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102717]

Staff Writer

The project that said no to compromise: Inside Kooyongkoot, Hawthorn

When long-time Ivanhoe locals Graeme and Catherine, decided it was time to downsize, they weren’t necessarily in a rush.&nbsp;

Like many in their stage of life, they had started thinking about apartment living, but anticipated making the shift in two to three years.

That timeline changed when they visited <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/candela-ivanhoe-40-upper-heidelberg-road-ivanhoe">Candela</a>, a new boutique development by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/salter-brothers">Salter Brothers</a>. The project ticked all the boxes they were looking for: location, quality design, and long-term lifestyle benefits, which prompted them to bring their decision forward.

“It was the right place at the right time,” they said. “We knew immediately it ticked all the boxes, and we didn’t want to wait.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=358855]

Their decision to downsize was driven by a combination of practical needs and lifestyle considerations. Their existing home, while much loved, had become increasingly difficult to maintain. It spanned multiple levels, included extensive front and back gardens, and was starting to show the wear that comes with age.&nbsp;

They were looking for a more manageable lifestyle, one with less upkeep and more freedom. A brand-new apartment with no maintenance requirements and the ability to simply “lock up and leave” gave them peace of mind and a greater sense of control over their future.

Financially, the purchase made sense as well. The available stamp duty savings, strong price-to-value offering, and timing of the settlement suited their plans, making the transition smoother and more cost-effective. The apartment's design and inclusions further supported their choice.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=357493]

The layout was both functional and flexible: three bedrooms, a butler’s pantry, a separate laundry, and a large open-plan living area. It gave them the freedom to host a family, accommodate guests, or set up a home office. The expansive balcony and elevated views added to the appeal, providing a sense of openness and connection to the outdoors.

“It just had a really good flow,” Catherine noted, something they found lacking in many other apartments they’d considered, particularly in the established market.

Candela’s boutique scale was another deciding factor. With a smaller number of residences and a top-floor penthouse position, the couple felt the development offered the privacy and space they were looking for, without feeling isolated.

“We liked that it wasn’t a huge development. It felt well-balanced, modern but still with a sense of community, not overwhelming,” they said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=357508]

Equally important was the ability to remain in Ivanhoe, a suburb they know well and have deep roots in. After 46 years in the area, proximity to local parks, shops, and familiar faces mattered just as much as the apartment itself.

“We didn’t want to give up the community we’ve known for decades. Candela allowed us to upgrade our lifestyle while staying in the place we call home.”

With a Walk Score of 90, the village location supports a convenient, connected lifestyle. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/ivanhoe-vic-3079">Ivanhoe</a> Station is just a eight-minute walk away, and the neighbourhood offers access to parks, cafes, restaurants, and schools along Upper Heidelberg Road, all within easy reach.

Beyond the apartment, the couple also saw value in the broader vision for Candela, one that integrates residential living with public spaces and local amenities.&nbsp;

The development introduces 58 new apartments as well as a mix of commercial and social spaces that integrate contemporary architecture with the suburb’s existing character.&nbsp;

At ground level, residents will find a charming café and a lifestyle wellness centre, perfect for unwinding and rejuvenating. Meanwhile, the rooftop garden offers a stunning vantage point for residents to enjoy breathtaking sunsets, host gatherings, or enjoy barbecues with family and friends. It's not just a place to live; it's a vibrant community where every moment is an opportunity to connect and create lasting memories.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=342]

Why Ivanhoe locals are choosing to downsize to Candela

Mark and Roy Makari are expanding their presence in Sydney’s South West with a second major proposal for Leppington, this time envisioning a 900-dwelling mixed-use development just 850 metres from their previously lodged tower trio on Fifth Avenue.

Project management and construction management firm Creative Vision filed the plans for the&nbsp;multi-building project at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/230-rickard-road-leppington-nsw-2179">230 Rickard Road, Leppington</a>. The proposal seeks to establish a new focal point for the precinct through a high-density, transit-oriented development supported by diverse land uses.

According to the Scoping Report prepared for the Department of Planning, the scheme includes around 900 apartments across multiple towers, including 135 dwellings designated for affordable housing. A mix of market and subsidised apartments will be supported by ground-level activation through retail and office space, a childcare centre, and a hotel, forming a comprehensive urban precinct.

<img alt="Mixed Use Development 230 Rickard Rd Leppington" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="34797362-f3dc-4d84-8235-2657fc5f3bde" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Plan.png?VersionId=Uzckrz9tUpDQl5lX1_WMhjnv16bsr8wG" />

The Design Report by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/studiosc-0">Studio SC</a> notes that the project “intends to deliver a high-quality, high-density built form that supports the vision for the Leppington Town Centre, integrating mixed-use outcomes and public domain upgrades.” The development is expected to be delivered in stages, although a precise timeline is yet to be confirmed.

The project will be assessed through a future State Significant Development Application, with the Scoping Report indicating the team will seek design excellence via a competitive process or through an expert design review panel. Early massing diagrams suggest a series of mid- to high-rise buildings framing a central landscaped spine, with emphasis on pedestrian permeability and public space.

The planning documentation flags a strong sustainability agenda, stating that the development will “respond to the urban heat island effect, incorporate water sensitive urban design, and prioritise active transport”.

<img alt="Mixed Use Development 230 Rickard Rd Leppington" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="369d7b54-1279-4cde-88ec-dcb215594414" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Podium_1.png?VersionId=QArL7B2kkLt63vl5xvL0FNV_ardAlez4" />

The proposal follows in the footsteps of the Makaris’ nearby Fifth Avenue site, where they’ve submitted plans for three towers comprising nearly 500 apartments, with 10 per cent dedicated to affordable housing. That project features commercial podiums, a childcare centre, and a new public park that would occupy more than a third of the site.

Both developments are situated within walking distance of Leppington Train Station and fall under strategic precinct plans promoting higher density housing. The town centre is undergoing substantial transformation, driven by state government planning reforms aimed at fast-tracking housing delivery.

Together, the two projects represent a combined ambition of nearly 1,400 new homes across just under two kilometres of central Leppington.

First look: 900-home mixed-use precinct planned for Leppington

Leading Australian integrated property development group, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aqualand-australia">Aqualand</a>, has released the signature penthouses crowning its landmark AURA by Aqualand precinct at 168 Walker Street in North Sydney, unveiling Il Magnate and La Divina as the largest and most luxurious penthouses in the suburb.

With prices anticipated to commence from $15 million, and each accompanied by a new Porsche Carrera 911 valued at over $500K, the residences mark the culmination of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/aura-by-aqualand-north-sydney-168-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">AURA by Aqualand</a>’s decade-long journey and the beginning of its final sales chapter. 
&nbsp; 
Their release follows more than $850 million in record-breaking residential sales and the building’s completion and occupation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=358868]

The Richards Stanisich-designed 284 sqm Il Magnate and 224 sqm La Divina penthouses, collectively known as The Icons of AURA, are conceived as grand luxury homes rather than apartments, with expansive proportions, elevated materiality and curated identities that reflect their status as one-off residences.&nbsp;

Il Magnate features a grande master suite, complete with substantial walk-in dressing area and ensuite, three other bedrooms, second ensuite and another bathroom, powder room, open plan kitchen, scullery, substantial dining area and generous living room divided by a feature fireplace, and a multifunction wintergarden, which is ideal for a study and adjoining office breakout space. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, the La Divina residence offers the same amenities, sans the powder room, on a slightly smaller alternate floor plan configuration.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=358863]

Each occupies half of AURA by Aqualand’s topmost 28th level, comes with four secure car spaces and pairs sweeping Sydney Harbour panoramas with large-scale living spaces, refined detailing and a level of craftsmanship and amenity rarely offered in the North Shore market.&nbsp;

Penthouse residents will also receive Etymon’s ‘Black Key’ private concierge and lifestyle management service, an invitation only offering providing the ultimate in bespoke personalisation, including a range of everyday discrete services, from dinner party management, grocery deliveries, pet feeding or plants watered, dinners, snacks and coffee deliveries, event ticket sourcing, right up to organising travel visas and international airfares. Rarely seen in Australian properties, the service provides residents the benefits of living in a world-class luxury hotel-style home, akin to The Ritz, or the Waldorf Astoria.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=358862]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/richards-stanisich">Richards Stanisich</a>’s Director, Kirsten Stanisich, said the studio set out to craft residences that feel profoundly considered, contemporary and deeply connected to their setting.

“From the outset, we approached these penthouses with the sensibility of a grand Parisian residence - generous in scale, elegant in proportion and designed to feel more like a handcrafted home than an apartment," Stanisich said.

“Their elevated position and sweeping harbour outlook informed every decision, creating a rare connection between urban sophistication and natural calm. We shaped each space with expressive materiality, sculptural forms and bespoke detailing that invite touch and interaction.&nbsp;

“The result is a pair of residences defined by volume, light and an inherent softness - refined, flexible and deeply personal. These penthouses are unlike anything else in North Sydney, offering a sanctuary of true luxury framed by some of the city’s most remarkable views.”

For Aqualand’s Head of Sales &amp; Marketing, Alex Adams, the collaboration with Porsche underscores the shared ethos behind the residences.

“Aqualand’s collaboration with Porsche underpins both brand’s sharing an obsession with craftsmanship, design excellence, and enduring value," Adams said.

“Our penthouses are created for those who appreciate the finer details and expect the extraordinary at every touchpoint. Including a Porsche simply extends that experience beyond the residence - it’s a continuation of the lifestyle our buyers already live.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=292862]

Aqualand’s Managing Director, Jin Lin, said the penthouses represent both the pinnacle of AURA by Aqualand and an important design benchmark for the company’s future pipeline.&nbsp;

“These stunning penthouses reflect the purest expression of Aqualand’s design ambition," Lin said.

“The unparalleled design intent makes them not only the glistening crown of AURA by Aqualand, but the crown of North Sydney itself. They’re essentially a thank you gift to a burgeoning community that deserves this level of quality and architectural consideration.&nbsp;

“We’re leveraging the unrivalled standard set here as the foundation for what comes next, including our upcoming Anderson Street, Chatswood; 15 Blue Street, North Sydney and Central Barangaroo projects. Purchasers of these penthouses will essentially be living inside the blueprint of Aqualand’s future.

“These landmark residences demonstrate how far North Sydney has evolved and the strength of demand for highly curated, bespoke luxury homes. They’re more than penthouses, they’re legacy residences.&nbsp;

“With AURA by Aqualand now a thriving new precinct with residents well and truly settled, and our in-house world-class lifestyle amenity activated, Il Magnate and La Divina represent a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to secure an extraordinary piece of North Sydney’s future.”

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=30959]

Joel Robinson

Aqualand launches North Sydney penthouses with free Porsche Carrera 911

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/bokarina-qld-4575">Bokarina</a> Beach has quietly evolved into one of the Sunshine Coast’s most complete coastal lifestyle precincts, defined not just by proximity to the ocean, but by how residential living, local retail and everyday amenity are stitched together.&nbsp;

Gardner Vaughan Group’s <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bask-bokarina-38-bokarina-boulevard-bokarina-qld-4575">Bask Bokarina</a> now represents the final residential chapter in that transformation.

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Over recent years, the Bokarina Beach precinct has taken shape as a walkable, community-oriented neighbourhood, anchored by beachfront access, Lake Kawana to the west, and a growing mix of cafés, specialty retail and public open space.&nbsp;

With Zinc Bokarina already delivered next door by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gardner-vaughan-group">Gardner Vaughan Group</a> (GVG), Bask is the last opportunity to buy a brand new apartment within the precinct, effectively rounding out a fully formed coastal village.

GVG has positioned Bask to strengthen that lifestyle framework. Ten ground-floor retail spaces are planned beneath the residences, extending Bokarina Boulevard’s existing activity and reinforcing the area’s everyday convenience, from casual dining and coffee to local services, within a short walk of the beach.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141609 project_image_fid=333359]

The residential component comprises 135 apartments across two buildings, Mydas and Caretta, with a clear shift toward larger three- and four-bedroom layouts and penthouses. That mix reflects a maturing buyer profile in Bokarina, where demand is increasingly led by owner-occupiers and active downsizers seeking space, permanence, and connection to place rather than short-term coastal accommodation.

Design and amenity have followed the same logic. Residents will have access to a heated plunge pool, gym, private dining room with a full kitchen, landscaped communal gardens with barbecues and a firepit, and a shared herb and vegetable garden, facilities intended to support daily use rather than resort-style turnover. Pet-friendly features, including a dog wash bay, acknowledge both buyer expectations and the area’s dog-friendly beach, located around 250 metres from the site.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141609 project_image_fid=333366]

“Bokarina has become one of the Sunshine Coast’s most desirable beachside communities, and Bask represents the very last chance to buy new in this location,” GVG Director Sam Gardner said.&nbsp;

“Our focus has been to create spacious, functional apartments that meet the needs of locals who want to downsize without compromise, as well as those seeking a full-time coastal retreat.”

Positioned between the Pacific Ocean and Lake Kawana, Bask apartments have been oriented to capture outlooks toward the water or the Glass House Mountains, reinforcing the project’s connection to its natural surroundings. With parks, beachfront paths, hospitals, retail and public transport already in place, Bask arrives at a point where the broader precinct is no longer emerging, but established.

Construction is expected to complete in Q3 this year, with apartments ready to move into this Spring.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=141609]

Bask to complete Bokarina’s Sunshine Coast lifestyle precinct as final apartments are released

Weekender

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Some holiday home buyers are overlooking five key strategies which can turn their costly lifestyle investment into a money-making asset.

Australians invariably get caught up in the holiday romance of buying a ‘weekender’ and some will act on impulse while on vacation.

Often investors reason that by renting to holidaymakers when they aren’t using it, the asset’s maintenance and holding costs will be covered, but that’s rarely the case. Instead, holiday home buyers must seek maximum rental income and depreciation benefits to make the investment viable.

Most are buying emotionally and discover that higher-than-normal vacancies make their investment returns marginal at best. But smart investors know there are moves which can turn the numbers around.

Home property managers have five key rent boosters that also deliver great depreciation benefits.

There are a few things that boost your home’s appeal with holiday makers which not only maximise rental income, but also deliver excellent tax depreciation benefits. This means, come the end of the financial year, you’ll have more upside in your tax return thanks to your holiday home. 
 

1. Climate control

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/shutterstock_612232358.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="385" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/shutterstock_612232358.jpg?itok=Kj3zRE-n" width="580"></a>

Ensuring your holiday home is airconditioned is essential for attracting holiday makers. Vacationers will spend plenty of time relaxing at your short-stay, and they’ll want their comfort levels to be spot on.

Guaranteeing your home has split system air-conditioning and insulation not only helps improve the holiday experience for renters, but delivers tax benefits too.

The deductions available when you install a new split system represent 20 per cent of the cost of the asset within the first full year of claim. So, spending $3500 on a split system will equate to $700 worth of deductions in year one. 
 

2. Pet appeal

Holiday homes that are pet friendly command a premium, as pet owners look to take their ‘fur-babies’ on holiday which saves on the cost and stress of kennelling. But improvements which help create pet-friendly rentals also provide depreciation benefits.

Think boundary fencing, hardwood floors, pet proof landscaping. Even items such as an external doghouse can be depreciated. 
 

3. Outdoor entertaining

Holidays are built for family barbeques and lounging in a shady spot. The addition of a roofed outdoor relaxation and entertainment area will drive holiday makers to your home. They are also filled with depreciation opportunities such as ceiling fans, built in barbeques and benchtops.

For example, a relatively modest spend of around $4000 would both elevate your property’s rental earning potential, and deliver over $1000 in tax deductions in the first year after installation:

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2021-01-19_at_4.31.29_pm.png" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="192" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2021-01-19_at_4.31.29_pm.png?itok=gu0O4Lb4" width="580"></a>

4. Pools

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/shutterstock_254911351.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/shutterstock_254911351.jpg?itok=3rHjgwIo" width="580"></a>

Even when near a beachside holiday spot, there’s no denying the appeal of a pool when holidaying.

If you’ve been fortunate to buy a home with a pool, don’t forget to claim depreciation benefits on the fencing and filtration system. 
 

5. Wifi and entertainment

Providing unlimited Wifi has become pretty much mandatory for holiday homes.

Access to streaming services, scrolling through websites on local hotspots or checking in on updated weather alerts and surf conditions make web access a must. Simple elements such as supplying a television can improve your tax deductions.

For example, televisions have an eight-year effective life, so under the diminishing value method, a $2000 TV will provide $500 in deductions in the first full year of claim.

While depreciation rules for computer equipment are currently found within the commercial sections of the tax legislation, it’s likely that computer equipment will become a residential plant and equipment item in time. Either way, routers and range extenders will always attract deductions.
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Anyone who has impulse bought a holiday home over Christmas must get serious about making it profitable

max.kwok_55688

Five ways to turn holiday home investment duds into diamonds

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The Coogee-based comedian Tim Minchin and wife Sarah have bought themselves a weekender in Kangaroo Valley.
They've paid $1.08 million for the renovation project. 
The two storey brick and Colorbond home last sold for $30,000 in 1989.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/9/28/Kangaroo%202.png" alt="">
Spanning two level, the home has four bedrooms, two bathrooms and a number of living areas and outdoor terraces.
There's a semi-cleared house paddock on the near five hectare block.
Raine &amp; Horne Berry agents Jacqueline Crapp and Luke Tancred secured the sale, initially seeking $1.25 million in March. 
 
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Tim Minchin buys Kangaroo Valley weekender

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Neighbours star Olympia Valance, 27, and her AFL star boyfriend Thomas Bellchambers have purchased a cottage in country Victoria.
It is a two-bedroom Glenlyon home near Daylesford in Victoria, that was settled on Valentine's Day.  
They jointly purchased the six acres for $587,000.
<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/2020/4/22/Vallance%202.jpg" alt="">
The home was promoted as offering spectacular views of the district.
It was also offering its owners to experience ‘off grid’ living in style. 
Vallance has since listed her one bedroom apartment in Southbank, asking between $500,000 and $550,000.
 
 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Olympia Valance and Thomas Bellchambers buy Victorian weekender

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The vendors hoping for a Santa Claus rally in the ailing property auction market were mostly left disappointed after their weekend auctions.
Buyers traditionally tune out in the lead up to Christmas given all the distractions.
A few homes will be sold today, Christmas Eve, but most estate agents have headed off on their long holiday hibernation. 
Ofcourse some buyers will be back in the market keen for Boxing Day-style discounts from anxious vendors who've committed elsewhere and are desperate for a sale. 
The last minute pre-Christmas weekend auction offerings numbered just a dozen or so around most capitals, rather than the thousands that are regularly on offer most Saturdays of the year across the nation.
Estate agent Adam Docking recently suggested pre-Christmas listings were "a calculated risk."
“The weekend is usually very, very soft the Saturday before Christmas,” Mr Docking told News Ltd.
However the very last scheduled auction of 2018 found a buyer yesterday in Hampton Park, in Melbourne's outer south east.
There were 11 interested parties when the five bedroom late 1980s house at <a id="LPlnk816199" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-hampton+park-130021094" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">3 Candlebark Close</a> sold under the hammer at the 2pm Sunday afternoon auction, just two days out from Christmas.
"A local first time buyer was the top bidder," said Elias Samili, the selling agent from Rexhepi Real Estate.
"The vendors got $13,000 over reserve," he added after the bidding kicked off at $470,000.
There was just a shortened three week auction campaign following its recent renovation.
The agent had previously told the Herald Sun that the auction date was set to suit their religious commitments, and an auction process had been selected to ensure there was an "unconditional sale this year."
Hampton Park median house prices finished off the year at $550,000, according to realestateview, having kicked off the year at $500,000.
Another first home buyer secured a $350,000 Belmont house (above) with big plans for a renovation since its currently unlivable.
The three-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-belmont-130002634" target="_blank">5 Donald Street</a> was marketed as an opportunity to renovate or detonate by the McGrath Geelong agent Ricky Forte.
It had a $329,000 to $349,000 price guidance.
There was also a sale in Melbourne's Westmeadows when <a id="LPlnk256837" href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/real-estate/22-swan-avenue-westmeadows-vic/property-details-sold-residential-12269916/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">22 Swan Avenue</a> fetched $675,000 through Barry Plant Gladstone Park.
The price guide for the four bedroom, two bathroom house had been $610,000 to $650,000.
Another Saturday auction hopeful that sold was <a id="LPlnk160395" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-roxburgh+park-130004822" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">4 Korab Place, Roxburgh Park</a>.
Set on a 580 sqm block, the house has an indicative price guide of $540,000 to $580,000.
It fetched $625,000.
The four bedroom two bathroom house was marketed as having a crescent driveway with room for seven vehicles.
It had been a $200,000 building project in 2010 after the block was bought six years earlier for $154,000.
<div>All up there was 32 percent success rate in Melbourne from around 200 offerings over the past week, mostly held mid-week.</div>
<div>
<div>Sydney had some 150 offerings over the past week which saw a fatigued 38 percent success rate in the final sales week.</div>
<div>There was a $925,000 Merrylands sale in Sydney.</div>
<div>
The three bedroom home at <a id="LPlnk378703" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.realestate.com.au/130026390" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">1 Montrose Avenue sold through Starr Partners</a>, one of just a handful scheduled for Sydney weekend auction.
</div>
</div>
Queensland had an 11 percent success rate from the 95 auctions scheduled over the past week.
Canberra saw just 8 percent of its 30 listings find a buyer over the past week.
Adelaide was the most resilient with a 41 percent clearance rate from its 60 auctions over the past week, according to CoreLogic.
Its sales included <a id="LPlnk656681" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-sa-torrensville-130099886" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">15 Stephens Avenue, Torrensville</a>, a four bedroom house set on a generous sized 1100 sqm holding which sold for an undisclosed price.
The 1930’s Tudor home was marketed as likely to "respond well to renovations or subdivision subject to council consent."
Auction volumes will be negligible now until early February, excepting in coastal locations.
Agents have listed dozens of fresh beachside offerings with many set for late January auction, especially on the Australia Day weekend.
Everything from a <a id="LPlnk626147" href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/real-estate/boatshed-8-point-king-beach-portsea-vic/property-details-buy-residential-12313877/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">bathing box at Portsea</a>, with $450,000 to $495,000 hopes; a 37th floor <a id="LPlnk507917" href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/real-estate/3701-crown-towers-5-19-palm-avenu-surfers-paradise-qld/property-details-buy-residential-12318110/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">Surfers Paradise sub-penthouse</a> to a vacant waterfront <a id="LPlnk931582" href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/real-estate/24-the-anchorage-noosa-waters-qld/property-details-buy-residential-12301542/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">Noosa Waters building block</a>.
In Western Australia there's <a id="LPlnk382" href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/real-estate/38-lanyard-boulevard-geographe-wa/property-details-buy-residential-12276339/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">a Port Geographe waterfront 838 sqm vacant block </a>with direct access to Geographe Bay set for January 19 auction.
Some beach offerings have been snapped up as soon as they hit the market including a beach shack at Berrara on the NSW far south coast that was listed at $1.75 million
<a id="LPlnk810369" href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/real-estate/18-myrniong-grove-berrara-nsw/property-details-buy-residential-12319421/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">The home </a>that sits on a 1,138 sqm beachfront block quickly went under contract last week. 
The Ray White Surfers Paradise Group is gearing up for its annual auction program The Event, its flagship residential auction on Monday, January 28.
“The Australia Day long weekend will be the prime time for buyers as inquiries are traditionally up 60 per cent during January and we’re expecting next year to be no different," Ray White Surfers Paradise CEO Andrew Bell said.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

No Santa Claus rally for pre-Christmas auction vendor hopefuls

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The Channel Nine chief executive Hugh Marks has spent $4.075 million for a retreat in the Berry hinterland.
It comes as he is announced to lead the Nine-Fairfax merged media company which sees Nine own 51.1% and the weakened Fairfax at 48.9%. 
The family's Shoalhaven weekender is a contemporary, architect-designed residence at Broughton Vale.
Yeramba is set on 40 hectares with about half cleared for livestock.
Much of the rest is natural bushland with a permanent creek, waterfall and rock pools.
It was sold by former NEC and Hewlett-Packard boss Alan Hyde and his wife Joanne.
The marketing of the TDDP Architects-designed home indicated it was "developed on ecological and sustainable principles."
Nick Dale of Belle Property Berry secured the $4.075 million sale. 
The Berry district residential price record was set at $4.75 million last December when Bond University chancellor Annabelle Bennett and her husband <a href="/news/former-solicitor-general-of-australia-david-bennett-buys-berry-weekender">David Bennett, QC</a>, bought a 20-hectare retreat from a Macquarie Group executive.
Marks, who was appointed to Nine’s top job in late-2015, has been appointed as the next chief of the Nine Fairfax merged media entity under the chairmanship of Peter Costello.
Mark advised the merged "marks a truly momentous development for Nine’s future."
The existing Nine television and digital businesses, to be known as NEC will become the proprietor of the historic Fairfax mastheads as well as the new majority owner of Domain (60%) and the Macquarie Radio Network (54.5%). 
The transaction Nine will also move to 100% ownership of Stan.
His property purchase, without the precise price, was revealed last weekend by Fairfax Media.
He has been based in Artarmon where he bought his Californian bungalow for $765,000 in 1998.
Last year he spent $2,015,000 on a three-bedroom investment <a href="/news/channel-nine-boss-hugh-marks-buys-neutral-bay-pad">Neutral Bay</a> pad.
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firstname1-iYD4UYzvBa

Hugh Marks, the new Fairfax boss buys Berry weekender

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The Point Piper-based rag trader Stephen Leibowitz and his wife Pamela have bought the Palm Beach historic home Craig Rossie.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-palm+beach-127097158" target="_blank">They paid $6,025,000</a> for the Snapperman Beach weekender, some two years after its initial offering.
It was built in 1936 for grocery chain-owner Andrew Derrin, and bought by World War II fighter pilot-turned-author Paul Brickhill in 1960 following publication of his novel The Great Escape.
Following Brickhill’s divorce from model Margaret Slater in 1964, it sold for £23,900 to the late Emmanuel and Valda Georgouras.
They subdivided in 1987, carving off what is now Mana Moana next door for $1.66 million to the rag trader Gary Leonard.
Valda died in 2012, aged 91, and it was listed two years ago.
The 1150-square-metre property in the north-facing corner of the beach was recently offered through LJ Hooker agent David Edwards.
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Craig Rossie, Palm Beach weekender sold to Point Piper rag trader

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London based Macquarie infrastructure boss David Roseman and his wife Sue finally sold their Berry weekender.
It sold just days before Christmas having been listed for March auction when they were asking $4.75 million.
They had bought the 20-hectare Coomonderry Ridge hobby farm in 2011 for $1.18 million.
The two-storey residence with a separate guest house amid landscaped gardens fetched $4.75 million <a href="https://www.belleproperty.com/listings/488459/2-coomonderry-ridge-berry-nsw-2535/" target="_blank">through Gary Dale at Belle Property</a>.
Roseman was appointed to the merchant bank’s top infrastructure post in 2015.
The manor-style mansion he and his wife, former Macquarie executive-turn-interior designer Sue was built near Seven Mile Beach.
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Berry farm sold by Macquarie Group banker David Roseman

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<div>The Dow Chemicals chief Andrew Liveris sold his ’70s-style beach house at Whale Beach at weekend auction.</div>
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<div>It fetched $3.33 million — with whispers quickly suggesting it was snapped up by a neighbour. </div>
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<div>The Belle selling agent Greg Griffin who had $3 million hopes given its down-at-heel presentation wouldn’t be drilled on which one.</div>
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<div>The 1100sqm Whale Beach Rd parcel sloping down to the ocean had cost $3.675 million in pre-GFC 2006.</div>
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<div>The Michigan US-based Liveris and his wife Paula will make an $8.15 million Point Piper apartment part of their retirement plans.</div>
</div>
Liveris, who previously worked on an advisory panel for Barack Obama, was described by President Donald Trump as "one of the foremost leaders in manufacturing, one of the foremost leaders in the world of business".
This article was first published in the Sunday Telegraph.
 
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Dow Chemicals boss Andrew Liveris sells at Whale Beach for a loss to neighbour

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One of the world's leading businessman, the Dow Chemicals chief, Andrew Liveris has changed his mind up on keeping his beach house at Whale Beach.
The soon to retire Darwin-born businessman listed the 1970s beach house in February, before a change of heart.
But now its back up again with Belle Property Avalon agent Greg Griffin, who has it for November 25 auction with $3 million hopes given its down at heal presentation.
The Whale Beach Road clifftop property cost $3,675,000 in 2006 when bought Liveris who has been the chief executive of Dow since 2004.
It was expected the Michigan US-based executive might have gone on to rebuild before their imminent return to Sydney.
The home sits on a 1,100 sqm parcel sloping down to the ocean.
Griffin is marketing it as a "premier site for a new home."
Liveris and wife Paula already have a Point Piper triplex apartment as part of their retirement plans. They bought it for $8.15 million in 2013.
Liveris, who previously worked on an advisory panel for Barack Obama, was branded by President Donald Trump as "one of the foremost leaders in manufacturing, one of the foremost leaders in the world of business".
The Darwin-born businessmen was on President Trump's manufacturing council but the board was abandoned in the wake of controversy following the US President's heavily criticised response to deadly violence in Charlottesville, Virginia in August.
This article was first published in the Sunday Telegraph.
 
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Andrew Liveris relists Whale Beach weekender

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Melbourne-based retail boss Mark McInnes has listed his New South Wales South Coast beachfront at Coalcliff.
The former David Jones boss paid a suburb record $2.5 million for the <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-coalcliff-126625242" target="_blank">home as a weekender</a> from his amalgamation at North Bondi.
<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/2017/10/11/McInnes2.jpg" alt="">
It comes with a $3.3 million guide through Ray White for its November 11 auction.
The home will push the $3,387,000 record set late last year.
McInnes recently spent $12 million on a Toorak mansion.
 
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