Holiday home buyers who have long gravitated to Queenstown’s alpine setting are increasingly looking for low-maintenance apartments that allow them to lock up and leave, while still generating income when they’re away.

For Wendy, who had spent years visiting the Queenstown and Arrowtown region, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/safari-group">Safari Group</a>’s Mountain Oak Apartments provided the opportunity to formalise what had previously been a recurring holiday pattern.

“We always had Queenstown in the back of our minds to buy something there as a holiday home,” she says. “We love the Queenstown and Arrowtown area.”

<img alt="From slopes to markets: Mountain Oak connects residents to the best of Queenstown" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_auto/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/658d4f_48c3ec1ae5df4a2cab7d23c07c7f51b3~mv2.jpg?VersionId=27K8oQ4ExDN8Yu70VHDa9Olq59XU36m3" />

Time spent visiting her sister-in-law, who owns in Arrowtown, along with regular stays at Millbrook Resort, had already shaped a strong personal connection to the region.&nbsp;

Rather than approaching the purchase purely as an investment play, Wendy’s starting point was lifestyle.

“We were more thinking about ourselves and where we could stay, and then the rental aspect was second.”

Mountain Oak Apartments, located within the masterplanned Remarkables Park precinct in Frankton, aligned with that thinking. The ability to secure the apartment with a deposit and settle on completion made the timing work.

“The fact that we could put a deposit down with the balance on completion was a bonus for us,” she explains.

<img alt="Safari Group’s Mountain Oak Apartments brings new investment potential to Queenstown" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_auto/https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/313_Livingv2_WEB.jpg?VersionId=nV229fM0ZeYpoxOrX372HyGjfwY_LR8c" />

Wendy selected a two-bedroom, two-bathroom penthouse, a configuration that supports both private use and guest flexibility.

“The two-bedroom, two-bathroom configuration appealed from both a rental viewpoint and for the ability to have friends stay while we are there,” she says.

Across the development, two-bedroom apartments range from 64sqm to 78sqm, with two-bedroom plus flexi options from 71sqm to 75sqm, each with an allocated car park. The flexi layouts introduce an additional space suited to work or hobbies, reflecting demand from buyers who split their time between leisure and remote work.

Apartments include underfloor heating in bathrooms, heat pumps to living areas, and joinery positioned to maximise natural light and mountain outlooks. The Remarkables Park precinct is known for its extended winter sunshine hours, water frontage and open views toward The Remarkables.&nbsp;

Units come in light and dark interior colour schemes.

<img alt="Mountain Oak Apartments draws holiday home buyers to Queenstown" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fd685a22-3b95-43a1-87cb-48fdd42bb4ba" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/658d4f_f9f89107c2704ebbbe5a6b36da508cb3~mv2.jpg?VersionId=MigFIEm6b.mrANANwxSmwHvC4RdJUuyR" />

While lifestyle was the primary driver, the fundamentals of the Queenstown market added reassurance.&nbsp;

“Proximity to the airport and tourism being the main attraction all year round,” Wendy says, when asked what stood out from an investment perspective.

Mountain Oak sits just eight kilometres from Queenstown’s CBD and around a two-minute drive from Queenstown Airport.&nbsp;

For Wendy, that airport proximity carries practical value.

“The airport proximity is a bonus, we think that being so close will be an attraction for the convenience side.”

Residents are also a short drive from Coronet Peak, Jack’s Point Golf Course, New World Supermarket, Five Mile Shopping Centre, and the dining, medical, gym, cinema and library amenities within the town centre, as well as the seasonal Remarkables Market.

Importantly, the purchase does not lock owners into a single use. Mountain Oak offers the flexibility to opt for short-term visitor accommodation or longer-term residential rental management, with 365-day visitor accommodation consent in place. Owners can utilise Safari Group’s 24/7 on-site management service or appoint their own provider, and do not need to decide on a strategy immediately.

“It was a bonus that we can rent it out as well as use it for ourselves,” she says.

Additional buying options, including furniture packages and storage units available for purchase within the building, further support a lock-and-leave model suited to interstate and overseas owners.

<img alt="Safari Group’s Mountain Oak Apartments brings new investment potential to Queenstown" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_auto/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Ext_Cam15_Sunny.jpg?VersionId=SJAROUM_1s.Tr5ciMk4EEj5oAt_Vewmv" />

Mountain Oak Apartments comprises 141 residences, ranging from one-bedroom configurations through to larger apartments and penthouses. One-bedroom apartments are currently priced from NZ$639,000, with three-bedroom options from NZ$1,299,000.

With 365-day visitor accommodation consent, the development is structured to respond to Queenstown’s established four-season tourism economy, spanning winter ski traffic and summer hiking, cycling, golf and lake-based activity.

Although Wendy acknowledges the strength of rental demand, her approach remains long term.

“We’re not planning to sell it anytime soon, so we are keen to hang on to it, but the passive income will be a bonus.”

Confidence in the developer also influenced her decision. Before proceeding, Wendy sought feedback within the local building community.

“We asked around and Safari Group had a good reputation,” she says.

Safari Group has delivered more than 2,000 hotel units and residential apartments across over 18 developments nationwide, with more than 25 years’ experience in the sector.

With completion anticipated by mid-2027, Mountain Oak is attracting a cross-section of buyers, from yield-focused investors to lifestyle purchasers seeking a foothold in one of New Zealand’s most tightly held alpine markets.

For Wendy, it represents both a future holiday base and a long-term asset within Queenstown’s year-round tourism economy.

Joel Robinson

How Mountain Oak Apartments draws holiday home buyers to Queenstown

Eduard Litver's Capitel Group is seeking to redevelop Chatswood's Mandarin Centre in the heart of the burgeoning suburb.

Capitel Group, in a joint venture with Metis Group, has filed a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) to demolish the Mandarin Centre and construct a 32-storey tower designed by Skidmore, Owings &amp; Merrill (SOM) with 325 apartments.

The 3,524 sqm site at 61A-65 Albert Avenue will also home extensive retail amenity, both at street-level and across a four-level podium.

<img alt="First look: Metis and Capitel unveil $1.2bn+ plan to redevelop Chatswood’s Mandarin Centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="905976ea-08cd-409f-8a4c-33a3fb8bf351" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/1771923441002.png?VersionId=f_xI2ejpxQvEm4fPqGji01RY9_AWVY6O" />

In its early stage Design Report submitted to the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority, SOM describes the ambition for the project as one that “aims to revitalise and reactivate an important corner of the Chatswood CBD.”

The architects note that the existing shopping centre “has a lack of vertical connection between its five levels of retail and a cumbersome pedestrian access from the street to the second-level transit connection,” framing the redevelopment as an opportunity to reconfigure circulation and better integrate with surrounding transport infrastructure.

The design adopts a single tower configuration, shaped through early testing to respond to neighbouring buildings and key public spaces.

Retail activation is concentrated at ground and lower podium levels, with a focus on food and beverage, lifestyle and wellness tenancies. The intent is to create a more permeable ground plane and improve connections between Albert Avenue, Victor Street and the Chatswood transport interchange, located within walking distance of the site.

<img alt="First look: Metis and Capitel unveil $1.2bn+ plan to redevelop Chatswood’s Mandarin Centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1e0c8cb-ee9b-41c1-97ac-0455c043b9e7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/1771923442914.png?VersionId=y.Kbo.9bzLIbOabeygYts8Uf9imI.Dqh" />

The site occupies a prominent position on the southern edge of the Chatswood CBD core, bounded by Albert Avenue and Victor Street. It sits near the rail and metro interchange and within close proximity to Chatswood Chase, Westfield Chatswood, Chatswood Oval and a range of commercial office towers and residential buildings.

Chatswood has been one, and continues to be, of the most popular suburbs for developers in recent years. The most recent tower to launch is Hyecorp's Celine on Archer Street, which followed The Anderson by Changfa and Huirong.

Soon to launch is Coronation's Archer &amp; Albert nearby the new proposal.

Chatswood boom continues with Capitel and Metis’s $1.2 billion Mandarin Centre redevelopment

Apartment development applications continue to tally up in Rose Bay following the NSW Gov's 2025 update to the Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy.

&nbsp;

Some $200 million worth of developments were filed in the space of four weeks at the back end of last year, with the likes of Fyve, HSN, Luxcon and Fortis all seeking to creating new apartment buildings.

The latest plans are for an amalgamated 3,105 sqm site across Conway Avenue, Fernleigh Avenue, and Carlisle Street. Developer Mathieson Property is planning <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/dian-2-6-conway-avenue-rose-bay-nsw-2029">Dian</a>, 70 apartments across a new eight-storey building, perched on a ridgeline within walking distance of Rose Bay Town Centre.

The State Significant Development Application (SSDA), includes one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom configurations. Over 15 per cent will be dedicated as affordable, as per the NSW Government's push for affordable housing. The 17 apartments will be managed by a community housing provider for 15 years following completion of the building.

<img alt="First Look: Mathieson Property unveils eight-storey infill housing proposal ‘Dian’ in Rose Bay" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f99c21d9-e69d-4a23-ae35-3244cfa0b4ae" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Rose%20Bay%20site_0.png?VersionId=67KSZfecJ3fvn1ewo9xxKrneRT.Nsjwd" />

MHNDU has designed the building around three central cores, with lower-level apartments arranged to maximise corner balconies and cross-ventilation. Upper levels are configured with dual north–south aspects to capture harbour views and solar access.

Private open space is a key feature of the scheme, with generous balconies and terraces throughout. Five ground-floor apartments would include private pools, while one upper-level residence will feature a rooftop terrace and pool. A communal room and adjoining landscaped outdoor terraces provide shared open space for residents.

<img alt="First Look: Mathieson Property unveils eight-storey infill housing proposal ‘Dian’ in Rose Bay" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="dd2e275f-c270-4eb1-9a02-2b573b8eb540" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Rose%20Bay%20front_0.png?VersionId=Us5jNEG6iLFLLMfQSzVBVdILYobBj.g9" />

The site sits around 365 metres walking distance of Rose Bay Town Centre and around 312 metres from regular bus services on New South Head Road, meeting the accessible area criteria under the Housing SEPP.

In early 2025, the NSW Government implemented significant changes to its Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy, altering planning controls to allow greater density for new apartment projects within an 800-metre walking distance of stations and town centres in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/woollahra-nsw-2025">Woollahra</a>&nbsp;Local Government Area, overriding existing local controls. Buildings are now permitted to rise up to six storeys within 400 metres of a station or centre, or eight storeys where affordable housing is incorporated, and up to four storeys within the 401 to 800 metre radius, which can increase to six storeys with affordable housing.

Mathieson Property unveils Dian Rose Bay apartment development

Lower North Shore developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hyecorp-property-group">Hyecorp</a> is preparing to launch <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/celine-chatswood-37-archer-street-chatswood-nsw-2067">Celine</a>, its new apartment development in Chatswood.

Set within a blue ribbon location on Archer Street, Celine will rise on a quiet, tree-lined enclave on the edge of the South Chatswood Heritage Conservation Area, a short walk from the connectivity which Chatswood is famous for.

Celine will deliver 122 one, two, three, and four-bedroom residences, designed to accommodate a broad range of buyers, from owner-occupiers to investors.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149594 project_image_fid=362610]

Designed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fuse-architecture-0">Fuse Architects</a>, the 29-storey tower has been shaped to respond to its Archer Street setting, with a defined podium and slender upper levels.&nbsp;

The building incorporates a two-storey residential lobby at the corner, double-height retail fronting Bertram Street, food and beverage tenancies along a through-site link, and two levels of commercial office space.&nbsp;

A landscaped pedestrian connection between Archer and Bertram streets will provide a publicly accessible link through the site, extending activity at ground level beyond the building footprint.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149594 project_image_fid=362606]

Inside, Hyecorp is emphasising scale and flexibility. Most residences will incorporate multipurpose rooms, allowing buyers to configure additional living, study or guest space within their floorplan.&nbsp;

Kitchens have been designed with proportions more commonly associated with standalone homes, complemented by Gaggenau and Miele appliances, integrated refrigeration, Miele laundry appliances, Taj Mahal stone and bronze tapware.&nbsp;

Buyers will also have the option to tailor aspects of their home through the developer’s “Live Your Way” personalisation service.

Resident amenity will include an outdoor pool, gym and sauna, as well as barbecue and lounge areas designed for shared use. Upper levels are oriented to capture eastern outlooks towards the Sydney CBD and surrounding greenery.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149594 project_image_fid=362633]

The location places future residents within 800 metres of Chatswood Interchange, providing access to metro and rail services, and within walking distance of Westfield, Chatswood Chase and the Chatswood Concourse. Parks including Chatswood Park and Beauchamp Park are nearby, along with a cluster of schools and private hospitals.

Celine continues Hyecorp’s focus on the Lower North Shore. The Australian, family-owned developer has been operating locally for more than 30 years, with recent projects including Audrey in St Leonards, now nearing completion, and Juliet in Roseville. With registrations expected to open soon, Celine represents the group’s latest addition to the Chatswood apartment market.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149594]

Hyecorp unveils Celine, a striking new apartment tower in the heart of Chatswood

International development company <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/spg-land">SPG Land</a> has kicked off construction of the $1.5 billion <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/paradiso-place-surfers-paradise-103-ferny-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Paradiso Place</a>, one of the highest value developments to get underway on the Gold Coast in more than a decade.

Located on a 1.15ha site stretching from Surfers Paradise Boulevard to Ferny Avenue, Paradiso Place, when completed, will deliver 845 residences across three residential towers. &nbsp;

Paradiso Place has been several years in planning by SPG, which has now pushed the green light on construction to meet pent-up demand from investors and owner occupiers.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106566 project_image_fid=185858]

The move follows minor amendments to the original design to cater to buyer demand, including the provision of more premium residential amenity, including private dining, lounge and events spaces for residents to entertain guests.

The three towers, comprising 41, 40 and 44 levels, will bring to the market 845 apartments with each tower boasting its own podium level interconnected skybridge to create a unique elevated ‘beachside village’ for residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106566 project_image_fid=362500]

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>-designed development will bring a broad range of residences to the market, most offering ocean views and all enjoying five-star hotel amenities with world-class facilities and the convenience ground level retail precinct.

&nbsp;

Construction of Paradiso Place has been made possible by SPG’s newly established SPG Built division partnered with experienced project management group Eastview Australia, a company that has supported the development of a raft of major projects on the Gold Coast over the past two decades.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106566 project_image_fid=362499]

“It’s a very exciting time for Paradiso Place as we start construction,” said SPG Land Chairman David Wang.

“We have spent our energy refreshing design and assembling the best team and waiting for what we believe is the right time to start construction on one of the most exciting mixed-use developments to proceed on the Gold Coast since Oracle in Broadbeach and Circle on Cavill in Surfers Paradise. &nbsp;

“The local and interstate downsizer market is getting stronger, and we see Paradiso Place as the right project for our times right now. Our company has the capacity to deliver large-scale projects, and we are thrilled to be bringing this vision to reality.”

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106566 project_image_fid=185861]

SPG Invest, a company founded in Australia in 1998 with a focus on high-end real estate and premium hospitality assets, has delivered 56 projects in the Asia-Pacific region over the past twenty-five years, including The Peninsula Hotel Shanghai and the Global 188 twin-tower project in Suzhou and Cambridge Residences at Robina.

Paradiso Place will deliver a range of new apartments with two-, three- and four-bedroom layouts, as well as a collection of sub-penthouse and penthouse apartments across three levels. Prices start from $950,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106566 project_image_fid=185852]

“We have a very strong vision for Paradiso Place – we are creating a unique beachside residential community where contemporary design &amp; architecture and luxury materials combine with five star residents’ amenities and the convenience of a premium retail precinct on the ground floor”, said SPG Land CEO Dr Ying Rao&nbsp;

“We are confident that the community will recognise that this is more than just another development. Paradiso Place will bring a much-needed retail precinct and lifestyle hub to northern Surfers Paradise with premium retail, lifestyle and food and beverage options,” Said Dr Rao&nbsp;

“The retail precinct is critical to enhancing the lifestyle amenity for residents and guests, so SPG will retain control of this precinct to curate a premium retail offering that will support this thriving new community.

“SPG will also retain short-term holiday letting to control premium and luxury outcomes in line with our vision.”

Construction of Stage 1 Paradiso Place is expected to be completed by end of 2029.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=106566]

Construction commences on $1.5 billion Paradiso Place development in Surfers Paradise

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

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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>
<div>The Dow Chemicals chief Andrew Liveris sold his ’70s-style beach house at Whale Beach at weekend auction.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>It fetched $3.33 million — with whispers quickly suggesting it was snapped up by a neighbour. </div>
<div> </div>
<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>
<div> </div>
<div>The 1100sqm Whale Beach Rd parcel sloping down to the ocean had cost $3.675 million in pre-GFC 2006.</div>
<div> </div>
<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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