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Dot’s House, also known as the Coleman Residence, by Ton Vu from Atlas Architects. Photo: Tess Kelly

After 30 years of owning a Victorian terrace in Fitzroy as an investment property, Jenny Vizard was faced with a dilemma.

Needing a new home, she could either renovate the tired inner-city cottage and move in herself, or sell it and buy elsewhere.

“I was apprehensive about renovating, but I had a sentimental attachment to the little house. So I felt it was a possibility that was worth investigating,” she said.

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Cute character. Photo: Tess Kelly

Crisp design. Photo: Tess Kelly

She decided to take the plunge and renovate the house following a meeting with Ton Vu and Aaron Neighbour from Atlas Architects. After three decades as a rental, it was looking rather rundown with significant cracking and damp issues.

Ms Vizard had firm ideas on what she wanted to achieve from the tiny 114sq m block.

“I do wonder if my brief to Ton and Aaron was a disappointing one, because I most definitely didn’t want that much-vaunted ‘wow’ factor. Nor did I want things that were too shiny, bright or sharp,” she explained.

“Instead, I wanted a house that was functional, low-maintenance and comfortable. No bells and whistles, but a house that gave me pleasure because it flowed well, had a place for everything and was nice to come home to.”

There was one other stipulation: the design had to take the needs of Ms Vizard’s much-loved cat, Dot, into consideration.

“Dot lives her whole life within these walls, and her happiness is dependent on the care and environment I provide to her,” Ms Vizard explained.

Dot enjoying one of her shelves by the window. Photo: Jenny Vizard

A modern rear. Photo: Tess Kelly

Smart use of space. Photo: Tess Kelly

Fresh look

Given the 150-year-old cottage is in a heritage zone, the original facade was restored and the front bedroom and hallway were made structurally sound.

Another original room and a dilapidated addition to the house were then demolished to make way for a new extension.

A bathroom and main bedroom were placed directly behind the existing building, with the latter extended out to the boundary to give Ms Vizard a view to the street.

A kitchen, with an adjoining laundry, now opens into an open-plan living and dining space with a cathedral ceiling to maximise the feeling of openness.

“The cathedral ceiling continues out and becomes the northern veranda awning, which helps to control the light in the living space while articulating the rear facade’s new identity,” Mr Vu said.

The front bedroom and hallway were made structurally sound. Photo: Tess Kelly

Clean lines in the kitchen. Photo: Tess Kelly

Shelf life

To accommodate Dot’s needs, three small shelves were placed beneath a circular window at the rear to enable the blue-point ragdoll to climb up and look out at the world.

“Jenny initially wanted to include a wall for the cat to play on. But we didn’t have a lot of space to play with, so decided the cat play would have to be integrated within the joinery in the house,” Mr Vu said.

“We actually measured Dot so we got the size and spacing of the shelves right. It’s the first time I’ve ever measured a cat for a project.”

Further considerations for Dot included specific spaces for her litter and food trays in the laundry, plus two internal cat doors to enable her to get from the front to the back of the house via the laundry.

Dot’s window. Photo: Tess Kelly

Dot soaking it up. Photo: Jenny Vizard

Dot’s corner. Photo: Tess Kelly

Sense of belonging

Ms Vizard also wanted well-considered storage, so the architects asked her to list all the belongings she planned to move into her new home.

“We then measured everything out and made sure there was a home for it all in our design,” Mr Vu said.

“For example, the concrete-topped storage bench in the living area houses her sewing machine and vacuum cleaner, among other things.”

To display Ms Vizard’s many books and other knick-knacks, open storage has been incorporated, including a set of timber niches in the hallway.

“This acts like a storytelling device where visitors can walk down the hallway and see all the elements she has collected over time,” Mr Vu explained.

Light and bright. Photo: Tess Kelly

Get out of bed and step outside. Photo: Tess Kelly

Happy place

To realise Ms Vizard’s dream of an understated and simple interior, concrete elements like the island benchtop and bathroom basin were mixed with softening wooden joinery and white walls and tiles, Mr Vu said.

Ms Vizard said she — and Dot — couldn’t be happier with their new home.

“This is a small house, but it feels so much more spacious than the narrow site it occupies. It is airy, light and calm and I love to settle back here with a good book and Dot asleep on ‘her’ ledge under the round window,” she said.

“The renovation is everything I was hoping for, and more.”

Plenty of natural light in the bathroom, too. Photo: Tess Kelly

Contemporary cool. Photo: Tess Kelly

Built-in recessed display shelves. Photo: Tess Kelly

atlasarchitects.com.au

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RMIT is selling its Building 108, pictured here around 2006-07.

RMIT has listed its Bourke Street tower as the university sector battles financial stress caused by coronavirus.

Building 108, also known as The Tivoli, at 235 Bourke Street is expected to collect upwards of $120 million, with the university confirming the sale had been “expedited” by COVID-19.

It will initially be leased back to the university, which currently owns the strata for levels four to 17.

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The university has $120m hopes for the building.

The building made headlines in 2006 after a cluster of brain cancer cases emerged at the building, with 18 malignant tumours detected in people who had attended the campus.

However multiple studies have concluded the tower was not the cause of the cancer cases.

RMIT property services executive director Chris Hewison said the building was located away from its core city campus and not seen as of long-term strategic value.

“While our ownership of the property has been regularly reviewed since the completion of

the Swanston Academic Building in late 2012, the process has been expedited in light of

COVID-19,” he said.

CBRE’s Kiran Pillai said the building would attract local and international investors looking to modernise it either as office or education space.

How the entry looked in 2006-07.

“The travel restrictions will create a bit of a dynamic, but a lot of those big investors are represented by local managers,” Mr Pillai said.

“The property offers investors a true value-add opportunity in a precinct of Melbourne that

is set to go through significant structural change in the near term.

“It’s a great investment with heaps of upside.”

Gross Waddell conjunctional agent Andrew Waddell said it was rare to see such a property listed in Melbourne’s CBD.

“The building’s location at the epicentre of the CBD’s commercial, cultural and retail precincts is set to be a key drawcard for prospective purchasers,” Mr Waddell said.

The international expressions of interest sale will commence in the coming days, according to CBRE.

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It’s hard enough to buy a first home, but these three Australian investors have a combined total of 273 properties in their portfolios and continue to add to this number during COVID-19.

Nathan Birch, Eddie Dilleen and Oscar Ledlin started buying at a young age and have managed to grow their net worth into the millions.

Now, they see the market conditions during COVID-19 as one of great opportunity and are taking every advantage of the situation.

Nathan Birch has added seven properties to his 200 during COVID-19

Leading the charge is Nathan Birch – a 35-year-old investor and founder of Binvested, which is a property investment firm.

Birch had 200 properties in his portfolio before COVID-19 and has added seven more to the list since the pandemic hit.

“I see it [COVID-19] as a great opportunity as interest rates are at an all-time low,” said Mr Birch.

“Some people are scared, but… we are in the early phases of a new property boom.”

Mr Birch said the property market is in a similar place to 2009 during the global financial crisis, which has proved to be a good time to invest, with high rental yields in capital cities and strong stimulus packages from the government.

Nathan Birch has bought seven properties during COVID-19. Picture: Supplied

The total estimated value of his properties is $50 million. He purchased his first home in 2004 while he was just a teenager and working entry-level jobs.

His secret to success is having clarity on the end goal and treating property as a business.

“Buying a property and hoping is not a strategy; treating it like a business is important and having an acquisition plan is crucial when buying,” he said.

“Besides this, being committed and focused on your goals, and doing what is required, is important.”

Mr Birch said he hopes to be a billionaire by the time he’s 40 by using the same buying strategy he has used over the last 17 years.

“Let’s check back in and see how I go,” he said.

Eddie Dilleen is buying his most expensive property yet

Eddie Dilleen, the director of Dilleen Property, has 22 properties valued at about $7 million and is in the process of buying two more.

COVID-19 has given him the opportunity to buy his most expensive property yet – a Sydney home valued at $1.28m. He said he usually invests in properties valued between $200,000 and $700,000.

The Sydney-based 28-year-old bought his first investment property, on the NSW Central Coast, for $138,000 at the age of 19, with money he earned from his job at McDonalds. 

After his first investment, Mr Dilleen’s buying strategy was to avoid competitive and expensive Sydney and Melbourne markets and instead looked to Adelaide, the Gold Coast and Brisbane as investment capitals.

Last year, Mr Dilleen bought his first property to live in – a $1.28m Sydney home he plans to move into with his wife.

“I’ve basically been just renting as I was building up my portfolio, trying to build up my equity with small, entry-level properties around metro areas so that one day I could actually afford a nicer place in Sydney,” he said.

Mr Dilleen’s advice to others venturing into property investment is to learn from others who have already done it.

“When it comes to talking about real estate, everyone has their own opinion, even if they don’t own any themselves or have any experience,” he said.

“I would always recommend reading property investment books and watching YouTube videos – always check that whoever wrote the book or made the videos has the actual experience also.”

Oscar Ledlin has bought, sold and owned 51 properties this year alone

Oscar Ledlin is the 27-year old developer who, through his company Ledlin Developments, has bought, owned and sold 51 properties this year valued at just over $75 million.

“The most celebrated investors of previous generations write books on creating wealth during historic times of economic downturn and uncertainty. In books 10 years from now, we will reference COVID-19 as one of those times,” Mr Ledlin said.

“The short-term economic outlook for Australia is treacherous, without doubt. But we are finding real estate opportunities that haven’t been seen in the recent decade. A fearful vendor makes for a cheerful purchaser – vendor’s are fearful of what’s to come and this is providing incredible opportunity for the savvy purchaser.”

The Melburnian previously worked as a dishwasher in a Thai restaurant and as a tradie, however, by 21, he was a multi-million dollar investor with assets including factories, construction sites and land.

Oscar Ledlin has a property portfolio worth $60m. Picture: Supplied

Through hard work, he saved $50,000 by the time he was 21, which allowed him to buy a Somerville development project for $800,000. From there, the sky was the limit.

By the age of 26 had a $50m development portfolio and continues to add to this.

One of his best pearls of wisdom for investors is to buy a property that’s right for their overall financial goals.

“Are you looking for additional cash flow or for tax minimisation? Are you looking for a low maintenance property or something that you can add value to through renovation or subdivision?” he said.

“Are you eligible for any government grants? What deposit are you able to contribute and what monthly repayments are acceptable with consideration to your current lifestyle? We need to understand our financial capacity as well as comfort levels.”

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44 Canberra Grove, Brighton East is a Bayside dream home for sale.

Bayside beauties are making waves on the market, with big price tags no issue for cashed-up buyers.

A number of near-new homes have come up for sale, with agents reporting plenty of demand for the magnificent properties.

In Brighton East, a recently completed dream home at 44 Canberra Grove was put on the market this week.

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The modern property has just been completed.

The living room overlooks the pool and huge garden.

Buxton Brighton agent Ross Walker said the four-bedroom house had “understated sophistication”, which had proved incredibly popular since it was listed with a $4.3-$4.5 million price guide.

“It’s very unusual to have this much land (810sq m) as part of a new build, so the number of buyers through as been extremely positive,” Mr Walker said.

“It’s in a particular part of Canberra Grove that is highly sought after.”

Huge windows add extra sophistication.

A walk-in wine room is a central feature to the house.

There’s also a luxe kitchen with Carrara marble benches.

Top-of-the-range features fill the decadent central living space, including a climate-controlled walk-in wine fridge, glamorous kitchen with vast Carrara marble benchtops and floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the room with natural light.

The living domain overlooks the outdoor barbecue zone, heated pool, spa and an expansive synthetic lawn.

Further along the bay, a brand-new Black Rock townhouse at 18A Iluka Street is offering a new edge to easy-care living.

18A Iluka Street, Black Rock is a luxury townhouse for sale.

Low-maintenance meets luxury at the property.

The Kiril Architects design was created to be “different to every other townhouse in Bayside”, Nick Johnstone agent Kris Barker said.

“It’s a really substantial home that doesn’t compromise on quality, finishes or accommodation,” Mr Barker said.

“It was only finished last week.”

An outdoor deck is next to native gardens.

Just completed, the property has modern bathrooms.

A kitchen in the open-plan living domain has stone benchtops, Bosch appliances and a concealed butler’s pantry. It’s adjoined to a sleek entertainer’s deck that overlooks a magnificent stringybark gum in the backyard.

Minor bedrooms are zoned upstairs where there is another living zone and two balconies overlooking Port Phillip Bay.

It’s for sale with a $1.95-$2.145 million price guide.

Another impressive townhouse at 1/5B Dalgetty Road in Beaumaris is for sale just a block from the beach.

1/5B Dalgetty Road, Beaumaris is another impressive property for sale.

The living room is warmed up by a sleek fireplace.

A modern kitchen inside.

Marshall White Bayside agent Kate Fowler said downsizers were drawn to properties that offered glamorous living “without the maintenance.”

“A lot of people are spending so much time in their houses right now and they’ve realised they want to put their money towards having a fantastic place to live,” Ms Fowler said.

“From a price perspective this townhouse works for those in corporate jobs or with kids too.”

A self-cleaning lap pool and triple garage are other luxe features at the four-bedroom property.

26 Dendy Street, Brighton sold this month for $6 million.

Big sales have been secured in Bayside despite the pandemic.

Zed Real Estate director Zed Nasheet reported a $6 million sale at 26 Dendy Street, Brighton, and another recent sale in Sandringham that took just one week to complete.

A $19.8 million sale was secured in Brighton earlier this year, while a new price record was set nearby in Elwood.

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James and Sarah Scullin preferred 6 Park Ave, Richmond to The Lodge.

A young family has snapped up a Richmond residence that was home to Great Depression-era prime minister James Scullin while he was in the top job.

Scullin even held cabinet meetings from his sickbed at the four-bedroom house, which fetched an undisclosed sum just short of $1.7m a few days after passing in at auction in late June.

The 6 Park Avenue property was listed with a $1.68-$1.82m price guide.

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The site has approved plans for a rear extension.

James Scullin had been in office just days when the Great Depression was sparked.

After moving from Ballarat to Richmond in the early 1920s to take up a vacant Labor seat, Scullin went on to become Australia’s ninth prime minister.

He was elected in 1929, just days before a Wall Street stock market crash triggered the Great Depression.

Opting to remain at the 1911-built Richmond home rather than waste taxpayer money on a move to The Lodge in Canberra, Scullin and his wife, Sarah, “used the dwelling for Labor Party and parliamentary functions,” the Victorian Heritage Database notes.

A timber-topped kitchen and breakfast bar at the rear of the property.

One of four bedrooms at the 1911-built home.

Floorboards extend down the wide hallway.

Mrs Scullin also organised a number of cabinet meetings at her husband’s bedside in 1930, while he was ill with pleurisy.

Jellis Craig director Elliot Gill said Scullin’s great granddaughter had even inspected the property before its sale.

Mr Gill said the “quite unique” house had a single-fronted Edwardian facade and double-fronted rear.

Vendor George Panoussis sold the site with approved plans for a rear extension.

Leadlight windows and an open fireplace in one of the main living rooms.

A carpeted bedroom also contains a mezzanine.

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jack.boronovskis@news.com.au

@jackboronovskis

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A 3.14ha site in Ashbury is set to be home to more than 350 dwellings in the coming years.

The largest development opportunity to grace the inner west in more than a decade is set to see a 3.14ha industrial site transformed into high density apartments.

The two adjoining sites at 149-163 Milton St and 165 Milton St in Ashbury are being offered together or individually, and have been rezoned by Canterbury-Bankstown Council following a five-year process.

They back onto WH Wagener Oval and could house more than 350 dwellings made up with a mixture townhouses and apartment blocks.

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No. 149-163 Milton St is on 1.65ha.

Ray White Commercial Western Sydney managing director Peter Vines would not be drawn into revealing the price guide, but industry sources speculate the combined 3.14ha site is worth $90m — $50m for 149-163 Milton St and $40m for 165 Milton St.

Mr Vines said a development opportunity like this has never be seen in the inner west in more than a decade.

“It is impossible to find something in the area on this scale — the last time something similar came up was around Leichhardt over 10 years ago and it was not of this size,” he said.

The site has R4 High-Density residential zoning with a floor space ratio of 1:1:1. It is expected to cater to the owner occupier market and its elevated position could mean city and district views from the higher floors.

No. 165 Milton St is believed to be worth $40 million and is on 1.49ha.

Property records reveal the sites are owned by two different developer groups. No. 149-163 Milton St was acquired by Sydney developers Michael Teplitsky, Felix Milgrom and Boris Markovsky through Ashbury FMBM in 2014 for $30.88 million.

The smaller site at 165 Milton St was purchased in 2015 for $17.1 million by Joe Nahas through Ashbury Developments Pty Limited, according to CoreLogic. They are both leased by industrial businesses at the moment.

The landholding is set to high sought after by blue chip residential development firms, with Mr Vines expecting the site to be sold as one.

“Developers have been waiting for something this close to the CBD for a very long time,” he said.

How Milton St currently looks.

“The highest and best value for this is one lot, as it allows large developers the ability to offer the site in stages.”

Locals in the past have previously voiced concerns about a project of this size being built, but Mr Vines said the area stands to benefit from the development.

“The buildings there at the moment are an eyesore and the approved rezoning means townhouses will be at the front and higher buildings at the back, which will be less imposing than now,” he said.

“This site is an opportunity to create a local community hub with shops and cafes.”

Expressions of internet are being sought from Mr Vines and his colleagues Victor Sheu and Jeff Moxham until August 12.

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The Hahndorf log cabin at 55 English Street is offering househunters a quirky character home. Pic: realestate.com.au

Buying a rustic log cabin doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice the luxuries that come with modern-day homes to enjoy it.

One in Hahndorf is offering the best of both worlds, with an extensive renovation giving it a new lease on life.

The three-bedroom home at 55 English Street has the character charm that comes with a log cabin but its contemporary interior makes it feel new.

Selling agent Sean Bennett, of Mayo & Co Real Estate, said it was being rented out as short-term accommodation at the moment.

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The kitchen is bright and vibrant now. Pic: realestate.com.au

Before it was rocking the timber look. Pic: CoreLogic

“(The owners) bought it a few years ago with the intention of doing a bit of a renovation and using it as an investment property,” he said.

“It took them about six months – they just went full-steam ahead.”

Mr Bennett said the vendors were considering replacing it with a modern home but they liked its facade so decided retaining the character was more important.

It was a decision that paid off as it has made the property popular among holiday-makers and househunters.

The open kitchen, living and dining area feels lighter and brighter now. Pic: realestate.com.au

The timber look made it feel darker inside before the renovation. Pic: CoreLogic

“(The interest) is quite surprising,” he said.

“There’s been a lot of people saying, ‘I love that type of house’, people who want something a little bit out of the norm.

“It’s a very popular short-term rental too.

“It really does feel like you’re in a chalet or lodge in the Alps.”

The kitchen forms the centrepiece of the home, with splashes of lime green making it stand out in the open living area.

All three bathrooms have been replaced, while a fresh lick of white paint has brightened up the rest of the home.

The bathrooms epitomise modern design. Pic: realestate.com.au

Before it was tired. Pic: CoreLogic

New gutters, electric wiring, including a switchboard, and decking were also part of the extensive renovation.

The 867sqm property, which is within walking distance to Hahndorf’s main street, is listed with a $490,000 to $539,000 price guide.

Mr Bennet said it would be a great home or investment property, which was currently being rented out for $300 a night.

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