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Confidence is returning to the Victorian property market, with first-home buyers leading the charge.

This is a finding of ME Bank’s latest property sentiment report, which reveals one in four metropolitan Melbourne homeowners believe their property will increase in price within a year.

That marked an increase from one in five owners in the bank’s last survey — released in April, at the height of the city’s first COVID-19 wave.

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Market participants are seeing a new dawn in Melbourne. Picture: Mark Stewart

At the same time, the proportion of Melbourne homeowners who believed their property would fall in value over the year dropped from 40 to 35 per cent.

The figures are still well down on those published in the bank’s January report, before the coronavirus pandemic impacted the market, when two thirds of Melburnians predicted their property would notch annual price gains.

Barry Plant chief executive Mike McCarthy said Melbourne market participants had overcome an “initial wave of concern”, after predicted massive price drops failed to materialise.

“Everyone’s just got a bit more confidence since prices haven’t fallen off a cliff,” Mr McCarthy said.

“Because the market has stayed balanced in terms of supply and demand, we’ve seen good results throughout the whole period.”

COVID-19 lowered foot-traffic, but home values fell just 2.3 per cent. Picture: William West / AFP

Melbourne home values shed 2.3 per cent in the June quarter, according to property data firm CoreLogic.

ME general manager of home loans Andrew Bartolo said the latest survey results reflected “the robustness of property, and the fact there is this underlying affinity with property”.

But, with the survey conducted in June, he warned renewed lockdown restrictions could lead to another fall in confidence as the city struggled to shake off the virus.

The survey, which polled 1000 people nationally also found 51 per cent of budding first-home buyers intended to take the plunge in the next year, up from 42 per cent three months ago.

More investors planned to jump into the market too, with 39 per cent of respondents signalling their intention to buy within a year, up from 17 per cent.

A return to lockdown is likely to impact confidence levels. Picture: William West / AFP

“Clearly first-home buyers and some investors are looking at the current situation as an opportunity to obtain value,” Mr Bartolo said.

Amy Lunardi Property advocate Amy Lunardi said the “massive” jump in investor engagement was a sign of the market’s resilience.

“Investors are the most fickle in any market,” Ms Lunardi said.

“People have now realised the property market is so much more robust than everyone predicted (so) investors’ appetites are returning.”

Despite a return to stage three restrictions, Ms Lunardi said all the buyers she was working with were continuing with their plans.

“Nothing has really changed for them,” she said. “Now they are prepared, rather than last time, when we didn’t know what this could mean.”

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A family already living in the same street pounced on this original Newtown house when it was auctioned on Saturday.

A Newtown family that had outgrown its current home but didn’t want to leave a much-loved neighbourhood has found the perfect next step under its nose.

It will trade townhouse living for a renovation-ready house in the riverside street where it already resides.

Buxton agent Matt Plunkett said the family beat three other bidders for the keys to 25 Ballater Ave, Newtown at auction on Saturday.

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The split-level floorplan has two living areas.

They paid $700,000 — $50,000 above reserve — for the original three-bedroom house on a 718sq m block that was offered for sale for the first time.

Mr Plunkett said all the buyers were looking to renovate the split-level residence with two living areas right near the Barwon River.

“The people that bought it are going to do a major renovation, they are going to knock down part of the house and do an extension,” Mr Plunkett said.

The kitchen is due for an update.

The riverside pocket offers a more affordable entry point into the Newtown market.

“They actually live in the street and they saw they corflute sign before the property went on the market.

“They are in a townhouse and they have got kids so they wanted something with more space but didn’t want to move too far away.”

He said the riverside pocket of Newtown was more affordable than other parts of the suburb and offered great access to nearby Barwon River walking trails.

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An artist’s impression of penthouses at Splendour, Bellevue Hill, and the view over Cooper Park to the CBD.

A new Bellevue Hill apartment development to be called Splendour will overlook Sydney’s ‘secret garden’ — Cooper Park — and it’s set to be a massive hit.

The managing director of developer Denwol, Phillip Wolanski, says it was an easy decision to proceed with the 25 units at 206d Victoria Rd: “The moment I walked onto the site, which Splendour will sit upon, I knew I had to develop a beautiful luxury development there that was in keeping with the amazing and unique natural surroundings.”

Selling agent Erle Cramer, of Cramer Property, says along with the top design, the location will be the secret of the development’s success.

“It is interesting if you google Sydney’s secret gardens, Cooper Park comes up,” Cramer said.

“A lot of people in Sydney’s eastern euburbs have never been there.

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Splendour will be built on a clifftop.

“A secret garden”.

“They would have no idea that such intimate views of a gazetted national park is possible moments to Bondi Junction.”

The north-facing apartments — in three distinct buildings to be known as Acacia, Bluegum and Coral Fern — will sit atop a cliff with overlooking the parkland, which occupies more than 15 hectares, and the city beyond.

Some of the apartments, with internal spaces ranging between 103 sqm and 288 sqm, will also have harbour views, including the Harbour Bridge and Opera House.

Wolanski has brought together an expert team of designers for the unique project, including UP Architects, Kann Finch Group and Dennis Rabinowitz.

The Splendour penthouses will have views of the city, Harbour Bridge and Opera House.

Open-plan living areas open to huge terraces.

The interiors will be by Smart Design Studio with the landscape architect Sturt Noble Associates.

One of the architects, Sean Choo of UP Architects, said: “The cascading forms of the building not only respects the natural form of the pristine landscape, but also ensures that every residence captures the breathtaking views over Cooper Park and beyond.

“The distinctive yet sensitive choice of materials, assembled through progressive detailing, creates a timeless piece of architecture that radiates atop the cliff like the jewel of a crown.

“It’s a privilege to be working so closely with the likes of William Smart and Dennis Rabinowitz on this project.”

Incredible design.

Outdoor entertainment areas.

Cramer said many people believe beautiful green views to be just as good as city and or harbour views.

“It is the freshness of air, sheer natural beauty and tranquillity,” he said.

“This is now very hard to find in areas close to the city.

“Overlooking Cooper Park is near impossible in a new development.”

Cramer said that Splendour would offer something far different than your typical inner-city apartment — a connection to nature. He’s expecting downsizers in particular to love it.

“When they move from a home – with a yard with trees and a suburban area — they are more and more wanting to have this connection and do not want to move into a concrete jungle,” Cramer added.

“I believe this is a growing trend.”

Amazing views.

Buyers will appreciate the natural setting.

Another attraction is that Splendour will be a relatively small development.

“The trend is to live in boutique developments,” Cramer said.

“Empty-nesters like the intimacy and sense of not being surrounded by hundreds of residents.”

Cramer added that despite COVID-19, better luxury quality developments are still selling well off-the-plan.

“With only 25 apartments, there is a sense of some urgency — regardless of the perceived downturn in the market,” he said.

Beautiful kitchens …

… and stylish bathrooms.

Wolanski has the final word: “Sitting upon a magnificent cliff, the views over the canopy of Cooper Park and beyond to the city and Opera House and Harbour Bridge are awe inspiring.

“It’s so peaceful, even though it is just a short stroll to Bondi Junction.

“I describe it as position and outlook extraordinaire perfect.”

The apartments consist of four two-bedrooms priced from $1.95 million; 10 three-bedrooms from $3.25 million; six four-bedroom apartments from $3.85 million and five penthouses priced from $3.6 million. The most expensive penthouse will cost $7.1 million.

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Thessy Kouzoukas, co-founder of Sabo Skirt, in a file picture with husband Georgio Batsinilas. The couple have listed the first home they bought together in Mount Gravatt. Picture: Liam Kidston.

Sabo Skirt co-founder Thessy Kouzoukas poured a lot of love into her first home – made even more special by husband Georgio Batsinilas proposing to her there – and now it could be yours.

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6/22 Selborne Street, Mount Gravatt East, hit the market last week.

With over a million followers on Instagram, the style guru put her first ever property purchase on the market last week – a rare three bedroom apartment bought off the plan in 2015 in Brisbane’s Mount Gravatt.

Her popular summer-kissed fashion range survived the COVID-19 crisis by shifting all operations online, and now Kouzoukas too was ready for a new beginning closer to home.

Sabo Skirt co-founders Thessy and Yiota Kouzoukas. Picture: Peter Wallis

“Georgio and I were looking to move out together when we first started dating around six years ago; we wanted to live around the south side where we had both grown up,” she said.

“The unit was available and was brand new, and we absolutely loved the location, the bright light throughout and the fact that it was three bedrooms.”

Her favourite spot was the main bedroom “because it has a lot of windows that let in natural light, a nice breeze and was super cozy”. Little did she realise it would be even more special later when husband Georgio chose that spot to propose marriage to her.

The master bedroom leads out to the balcony.

“Georgio proposed to me in bed one morning,” she said. “I was recovering from an endometrioma bursting inside of me, and was bed ridden for three weeks.”

“He had alternative plans (for the proposal) but ended up asking me to marry him when it was just the two of us at home. It was perfect. I also fell pregnant when I was living in this apartment, so I have memories of my first trimester being in the apartment.”

Space to enjoy the Queensland climate.

She said the decision to sell now came because the couple were looking to build their own home now.

“We have decided to sell now as we have recently purchased a block of land and are wanting to start to build soon, so we’re wanting to use the money for our new build.”

Agent Michael Bacon of Place Kangaroo Point said the 109sq m apartment at 6/22 Selborne Street, Mount Gravatt East, was rare, given its three bedrooms, two bathrooms and functional layout.

The open plan kitchen.

“There are barely any three bedroom apartments out that way. It’s quite a convenient location, a really decent sized open plan living space, a lot of things make sense with the way it’s laid out, there’s a separate master wing, a lot of people tend to like the separation, especially a family with kids, or a couple with friends that rent another room.”

“It’s a small boutique complex, only six apartments in total,” Mr Bacon said. “It’s on the top floor with a lot of natural breezes and light that comes through the apartment.”

The property has a price guide in the mid to high $500,000 range.

“With low interest rates it makes sense. It’s a no-brainer to buy in that pricepoint. It’s affordable for a lot of different buyers in the market, and there’s low stock along there. It’s a good opportunity.”

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130 Winns Road, Cygnet. Picture: SUPPLIED

THERE is a sense of magic and romance that never fails to inspire when visiting this gorgeous, historic home in Cygnet.

Known as Helmsman’s House, it is owned by noted author and television and film producer, editor, screenwriter and director Posie Graeme-Evans and her husband production director Andrew Blaxland.

The couple bought the property a few years ago and set about a restoration and transformation.

Thinking back to the first time she saw the home, Posie says she “fell in love with the possibilities”.

She also fell in love with the special views.

“That is what knocks people out about Cygnet, and about where we are – the great big long view down to the water and the hills and away,” she said.

“If an aurora turns up, you can see it dance over the far southern horizon, dancing over the water.”

A shining light.

The long view.

A fabulous fire.

Originally the couple came to Cygnet when Posie was finishing a book. She sees the property as a source of inspiration. And she is not the only one that feels its inspiring nature.

“We have some guests that come back three and four times a year,” she said.

“This house is peaceful. It is warm, snug and you can pull it around you like a doona.”

Inspiration for the forthcoming McLeod’s Daughters movie came to Posie while mowing the lawns at Helmsman’s House

“I got this idea, and it is a story that we have never done, it is a different story – I fell in love with it again,” she said.

Helmsman’s House, at No. 130 Winns Road in Cygnet, has caught the eye of house hunters far and wide since it hit the market about a week ago.

It has already been viewed many thousands of times on realestate.com.au and listing agent Amber Leighton of Homelands Property described the reaction from the market as “incredible”, especially given the current conditions.

Get busy in the kitchen.

Period charms abound.

A relaxed space.

“We expected most of the interest would come from interstate and we have taken heaps of people through the home via Skype,” she said.

“They want to learn a bit about Cygnet and often they tell me about how they have dreamt of owning a property such as this one.

“It has all been about the location, the dream, country living, five acres – it is the idea of the lifestyle that is available here.

“And already we have got multiple people talking about making an offer without even setting foot on the property.

“People are wondering, if they don’t secure this property what is the likelyhood that something similar will come to market? It is so slim.”

Helmsman’s House is set on 2ha of land and it took home a Most Romantic Accommodation award at a national showcase.It is easy to see how it secured that honour.

From the position with its commanding views over Port Cygnet Bay to stunning early 1900s cottage, it is bound to exceed andy sea and tree-change expectations.

The Federation era home offers two bedrooms, two bathroom and a wide open living zone with even wider views.

Luxurious comfort.

Take a seat.

Sophisticated interiors.

Accessed via French doors from the open plan living and dining space, there is a large, limestone flagged terrace with a gazebo. An ideal spot to entertain or relax.

A highlight in the living zone is the centrally located Chiminee Phillip double-sided fireplace. Romance? Tick!

The kitchen has been revamped to suit the home’s upgrades and now provides gas cooking, a Smeg oven and celery top pine benchtops.

There are two opulent bedrooms with the master boasting the luxury of an ensuite.

Both bathrooms have a bath, walk-in shower and underfloor heating.

The charming grounds feature a mix of low-maintenance cottage gardens and bird-attracting native plants, with a picking garden of herbs in the kitchen courtyard. The fenced pastures have historically been part of a larger cattle farm, so mineral rich and fertile soils can be expected.

Amber said Posie had given Helmsman’s House its name after the view as it is “like you are on the helm of a boat overlooking the bay”.

She said it was one of the property many fine features.

“I adore the rarity of a property like this, so private and unique and also close to the township,” she said.

“When I appraised the property I was standing at the front looking at the gorgeous, historic architecture and I remember thinking, “everyone will fall in love with this home”.”

So cute from every angle.

Leafy vista.

Come on in.

While letting go is rarely an easy decision, for Posie and Andrew the timing feels right.

Posie said it will be difficult to say goodbye.

“It is beautiful. It was a real pleasure doing it and has so much of us in it,” she said.

“It speaks to the heart, this place, it is deeply romantic… but the time has come.”

No.130 Winns Road, Cygnet is listed with Homelands Property and will be sold by expressions of interest above $1,000,000.

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No. 19 Dobroyd Pde in Haberfield has a $4.5m-$4.8m guide.

A Haberfield home is set to be claim one of the highest sales seen in the inner west since the pandemic started.

The sprawling five-bedroom home at 19 Dobroyd Pde has sensational Sydney Harbour views and is described as a “once in a lifetime opportunity”.

Listed with a $4.5m-$4.8m guide, a sale at this price point would see the home become the second or third highest sale in the suburb following the $4.938 million record set last year.

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The home is near the popular Bay Run.

The landmark residence has been owned by the same family for 33 years and has a swimming pool, manicured gardens and multiple outdoor entertaining spaces over 828sq m.

McGrath Leichhardt agent Michael Tringali said it is a rare offering and is almost impossible to find elsewhere in Haberfield.

“The property has an aspirational address and locals dream of living in this part of Haberfield,” he said.

“It is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and if you miss out this time around, you could be waiting another 30 years.”

There is a wine cellar and tasting room on the ground floor.

Mr Tringali said while the property would claim one of the highest sales in Haberfield, the guide still represents value for money.

“It is a fantastic price for everything the house offers right on the doorstep of the CBD,” he said.

“If this was somewhere like Balmain, you would be looking at a guide with a 7 in front of it.”

It has been owned by the current vendors for 33 years.

The two-storey residence has renovated interiors and retains character features like decorative ceilings, sandstone walls, leadlight windows and wooden floorboards. It also has luxury amenities including a wine cellar, tasting room, sauna and a gym/music room.

There is also two kitchens including one with a chef’s gas stove, four bathrooms and ducted airconditioning.

The home still retains plenty of charm.

The property is seeing strong interest from local inner west buyers looking to upgrade to the prestigious address near the City West Link.

Mr Tringali said there are plenty of eager buyers looking to upgrade at the moment in the inner west.

“Anything that is presented well and is in good nick is getting lots of demand,” he said.

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The post Landmark Haberfield residence on the market for first time in 33 years a ‘once if a lifetime’ buy appeared first on realestate.com.au.