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Two-pronged gentrification is driving unit prices up in a bayside Melbourne suburb despite coronavirus hammering the wider city’s property prices.

Aspendale real estate agents have revealed high demand from first-home buyers is driving the market up from the bottom, while developers have revealed cashed-up downsizers who don’t see price as a barrier are setting records at the top of the market.

A $2.8m sale for 34A Bowman Street set the suburb’s beachfront apartment price record on March 12, the same day the World Health Organisation declared COVID-19 a pandemic.

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It edged out the $2.79m record set at Lowe Group’s Azura Aspendale complex two days prior for an off-the-plan three-bedroom beachfront apartment.

Managing director Tim Lowe said they were expecting to break the suburb’s record again this year.

They have also seen subsequent high priced sales driven by purchasers from as far afield as Sydney after the “net had grown a little wider” for the suburb over the past two years.

A $1.534m off-beach apartment record set at the development last week was paid by a bayside local who approached the developer last year, before looking along the Mornington Peninsula for several months only to come back to the Aspendale project.

“Price in this instance wasn’t the barrier, it was more about comfort with the location and purchase,” Mr Lowe said.

A two-bedroom beachfront apartment in the complex has also sold for $1.495m, while a three-bedroom townhouse off the beach snared $2.203m.

With two beach-facing apartments still to be sold at the now under-construction development, Mr Lowe was expecting the suburb’s beachfront apartment price record would fall again this year, while the off-beach record hinted top-end demand was no longer just being driven by water views.

“And I think this does open the door to higher quality development in Aspendale,” Mr Lowe said.

“But it can’t be skin deep. It’s not just the architecture or the appliances. It’s the whole process.”

Latest Realestate.com.au figures show Aspendale’s $755,000 median unit price rose $52,500 (7.5 per cent) over the past year — while its median house price remained flat at $1m.

Barry Plant Mordialloc’s Chris Kavanagh said units were proving the region’s most popular property at the moment, gaining attention from both first-home buyers and downsizers.

“For many years people would go to the peninsula (to downsize), but now we see that people have realised you can have that lifestyle and downsize to something really nice, but also do it a 30-minute train ride from Melbourne’s CBD,” Mr Kavanagh said.

The suburb, and its neighbours, was also benefiting from a trend among first-home buyers to pursue lifestyle above CBD proximity that had emerged since the onset of COVID-19.

“In the last few months being near the CBD really isn’t high on buyers’ wishlist,” Mr Kavanagh said.

“They want lifestyle as opposed to distance from the CBD.”

Mr Kavanagh said limited listings as a result of COVID-19 would slow the process, but gentrification was definitely underway in Aspendale.

He said a beachfront one-bedroom apartment at 14/50 Nepean Highway was attracting very high interest at the moment with a $550,000-$595,000 asking price.

Mr Kavanagh estimated while buyer numbers in the region had fallen about 5 per cent since COVID-19 had hit, the number of properties for sale had halved with many vendors now achieving strong results as supply fell short of demand.

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There are worse places to be in lockdown during COVID-19 than Lizzo’s incredible Palm Desert hideaway, which costs an eye-watering $7,000 a night to stay in. 

The Grammy-winning artist who is best known for songs including Good as Hell and Truth Hurts, was kicked out of her previous holiday rental a few days early and sought refuge at this expansive party pad, according to realtor.com.

The four-and-a-half bedroom home includes an epic infinity pool, a helipad and some jaw-dropping views of the surrounding desert and can be leased for just over $42,000 a month.

The house has previously served as an event location for premium brands including Ferrari and Lexus and is a two-hour drive from LA.

Steel, wood and stone are the three main materials of this house and large floor-to-ceiling windows are a feature throughout the property to enhance the view.

The main bedroom, which is Lizzo’s quarters, opens out on to the patio so she can jump straight out of bed and soak in the natural surrounds.

View this post on Instagram

 

I got 2 screenplays, an album and some checks to write. Thank you, Desert for always inspiring me.

A post shared by Lizzo (@lizzobeeating) on Jul 8, 2020 at 4:03pm PDT

There is also a gym and top quality surround sound – no doubt the singer will be pumping out tunes and doing some of her infamous twerking around the pool.

Lizzo has featured the home on her Instagram several times and posted “I got 2 screenplays, an album and some checks to write. Thank you, Desert for always inspiring me.”

The post Lizzo’s rental escape in Palm Desert looks good as hell appeared first on realestate.com.au.

Stuck at home in lockdown 2.0 and feel like your living room just isn’t vibing with your star sign?

Does your colour scheme clash with your seductive Scorpio spirit, or are your bathroom tiles putting a damper on your fiery Aries impulses?

Maybe modern minimalism is killing the mood for your romance loving inner Gemini.

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Fear not. The clairvoyants, tarot readers and psychic mediums of PsychicWorld (not an endorsement) have joined forces in a survey that reveals the perfect home style for your part of the zodiac.

And if you’re really serious about aligning your digs with the universe, we’ve reviewed their divinations to find a few homes for sale that are perfect for a Pisces, awesome for Aquarians and that Librans should love.

Oh, and before you mention it – no they don’t have any tips for Ophiuchus, like most of what you hear about star signs that was fake news.

Aries: March 21 to April 29

It will come as no surprise that you only truly feel at home when you are surrounded by a contemporary style. PsychicWorld have revealed your fiery, impulsive nature will have room to shine in a home that’s designed for fluid changes between trends.

They recommend the rams of the stars embrace shades of black, beige and white for the fundamentals, and a variety of materials for a “sleek and fresh” look.

Which is what’s on offer at 44A Carnoustie Grove, Mornington, where a super-sized townhouse listed with McEwing Partners’ Stephen Bannister blends black, white and pale timber tones for a blank canvas awaiting your latest whim.

Taurus: April 20 to May 20

When most people think of bulls, they think of regional climes. Or Spain, but international travel is off at the moment.

The psychics believe rustic decor is key to helping you grab life by the horns.

They advise you to think timber floors, fireplaces and raw, unfinished materials when redecorating.

But if you really want to charge into life as a Taurus, homes don’t come much more rustic than 10 Stewart Rd, Emerald.

From the attic-style main bedroom to the character-filled chunky interior rendering, exposed cathedral ceilings, timber highlights and brick-bound fireplace, it could be the perfect match.

And, there’s five abodes on the title — so there’s room for all your Taurean friends, or to rent a few out so others can embrace the style too.

Gemini: May 21 to June 20

You’re a romantic. Or, at least you are according to the psychics. And if they’ve got your back, who cares what your partner (or your ex) thinks?

For lovers of love, there is only one style that suits: French country — French provincial in real estate speak.

Farmhouse inspired, it takes rustic to elegant new levels. PsychicWorld recommends round furniture.

Jellis Craig’s Stephen Huang recommends 2 Ingleside Cres, Glen Waverley.

And while it might cost $4.38m, the price includes five bedrooms and bathrooms, a home theatre and a gazebo.

There’s even a Juliette balcony.

Cancer: June 21 to July 22

Underneath that hard, crustacean shell, you’re really all about family.

With an instinct for classic, yet elaborate decor, the tarot readers reckon you’d only be happy if you drew a traditional home out of the deck.

That means a dark colour palette and plenty of influences from the 18th or 19th century.

Given modern Melbourne wasn’t around for the 1700s, your best bet might be a classic Victorian-era abode. They also think you’ll need a fair bit of space for all your heavy, royal-inspired furniture.

Designed by the man who created Melbourne’s Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton, the four-bedroom Thule is a Brighton icon that predates electricity in this city.

Victorian-era architect Joseph Reed instilled the 6 Thule Court home with the dark timber ceilings, panelling, and lavish flourishes that will either have you loving it or, well, crabby.

Although, with Kay & Burton listing the property at $5.3-$5.8 you might have to put your family second while you get on top of the mortgage.

Leo: July 23 to August 22

The psychics warn that if you show a Leo false modesty, they’ll show you their fangs.

But show them a mid-century modern pad and everything is cool for cats, according to the survey.

Bring on opulence, heaps of glass, metal and even plastic, but don’t do so at the expense of functionality.

Few parts of Melbourne offer an extensive list of mid-century homes, but Beaumaris is famous for it. Seriously. They have their own website.

Sam Hartrick with Eview Group has one listed for sale at 145 Dalgetty Road complete with timber interior walls, big windows and a refined architectural feel throughout.

But the $1.55-$1.65m price tag is a long way removed from the 1960s.

Virgo: August 23 to September 22

Ask the stars, and they’ll tell Virgos they’re shameless neat freaks with an abiding hatred of mess.

If you want a home that matches up with your penchant for organisation and clean lines, you want modern styling.

“I’m no Leo” you say? And you’re not. You like the kind of modern that predates that enjoyed by the big cats of the universe.

Your style goes back to the ‘40s, when it was still about the crisp lines and light colour schemes.

It’s less Brady Bunch, more Scandi-chic.

And according to the psychics, it’s just what you need to feel at peace.

The YPA Mornington Peninsula listing at 27 Lahinch Street, Fingal doesn’t have a 1940s pedigree — despite the $1.35-$1.4m million price guide.

But it does have the kind of modern meets brutalist architecture and pale polished concrete floors and walls where even the smallest thing out of place would be an affront.

Only you would never let that happen, would you?

Libra: September 23 to October 22

The balance point of the universe is a no-fuss position, according to PsychicWorld.

And after weighing things carefully they’ve determined that means Librans love harmony and good vibes. Their advice: skip anything flamboyant and think minimalist if you’re serious about your happiness.

Monochromatic palettes, simple design and clean lines should dominate your living spaces, with a pop of colour to accentuate things.

A one-bedroom apartment is about as minimalist as things come.

The single-sleeping residence at 119/555 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, comes with minimal cleaning, minimal furniture requirements and a minimal price tag at $430,000-$485,000.

Core Realty’s Thomas Chan has the listing which comes with a blend of white, grey and a few black accents.

Scorpio: October 23 to November 21

Passionate, seductive, forthright: that’s how Scorpios face the world.

And the psychics have revealed those three things combine to mean just one thing for most people under this sign: industrial.

So make a statement, and your life complete, by embracing warehouse living.

Find your place in the universe by exposing yourself to raw brickwork and metal elements.

And remember, black is your friend.

Don’t assume this means you’ll have to develop a caffeine addiction and join the hipsters in Collingwood or Fitzroy.

There’s also great coffee and a surprising number of neck beards in West Melbourne.

Which is also home to 4/23 Franklin Place, where exposed brickwork is on show in the bedroom, exposed timber beams hangs out in the kitchen and exposed insulation adds character in all the living spaces.

Jayson Watts at Nelson Alexander is auctioning it online at 12.30pm on July 25.

Sagittarius: November 22 to December 21

The hunters among the stars are known for their love of travel.

Which is why Sagittarians should heed the sage advice of their peers collated by PsychicWorld and set sail for coastal comfort.

Colour is key here, so you’ll want to make the white of breaking waves your go to backdrop and highlight it with light blue or grey and the odd splash of green.

In short, decorate your home so it feels like you’re close to the beach.

Or, break out your chequebook and move there.

Stone Real Estate’s Malcolm Parkinson is taking inquiries on 1/14 Wilsons Road, Mornington, which is two doors and a roundabout from the waterfront.

With a sand-coloured facade and plenty of white and grey on display inside, it embraces coastal cool.

Capricorn: December 22 to January 19

The universe has a message for you. You’re a workaholic.

And while that means Capricorns might struggle to find the time to consult a psychic adviser, they’re still confident they can help you live better.

You just need to deck your home out Scandinavian style. Clean aesthetics, natural light, simple design and functionality are all important.

Playing ABBA’s greatest hits is optional.

But with an A-BUS multizone speaker system built into 1 Lever Avenue, Blairgowrie, the Swedish pop supergroup’s could be the perfect backing track for this blend of cutting edge architecture and Scandinavian design.

Kay & Burton’s Liz Jensen describes it as efficient and aesthetic, and there’s even a studio office set at the rear of the block to make life easier when you bring work home with you.

And who cares about the $2.8-$3.08m asking price, you like working anyway — why not have a good excuse?

Aquarius: January 20 to February 18

Aquarians don’t like putting labels on things. So PsychicWorld’s survey has put one on you.

According to the zodiac, you’re destined to love a bohemian vibe.

More common in artistic circles than architectural ones, this style has a focus on bold colours, patterns and wall art. And plants. Lots of plants.

Living spaces so full of quirky additions, that most Librans would think you’re a hoarder, should suit you.

And so should 24 Albert Street, Upper Ferntree Gully.

Rebecca Halit at Property Partners is expecting $745,000-$815,000 for the four-bedroom home that welcomes you home with a mix of aged timber and coloured glass.

It then works its way through the colour chart with bedrooms ranging from lavender to orange.

Pisces: February 19 to March 20

Settle on just the one thing that floats your boat?

Not if you’re a Pisces. While the rest of the zodiac is embracing one thing or another, you’re content to just keep swimming.

Which is why the psychics think you’ll be hooked on transitional decor.

A blend between traditional and modern, it’s the best of both worlds and it puts mixed textures at the top of your mood board.

Wood, glass, fabric and metal could all find their way into your perfect living space, but keep the colours neutral if you want to keep the universe on your side.

Happily, Melbourne is home to one of the best types of property for people who can’t decide what they want: the mullet.

All business and traditional period style at the front, these homes have been renovated and extended to gradually shift into modern party pads at the rear.

Like 20 Heaton Avenue, Elwood, which comes with a $5.25 million asking price and the kind of cache that comes from once being home to a member of Crowded House.

McGrath’s Nicole Prime has the listing.

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The post Interior design based on your star sign: Style tips from the stars appeared first on realestate.com.au.

Whoever buys this new Beaumaris townhouse will be able to rub-a-dub-dub in their own private backyard tub.

The resort-style “bath and relaxing zone” is a standout feature of the 39 Hornby Street pad, which has just hit the market with a $2.15-$2.25m price guide.

Buxton Sandringham director Christian Hegarty said the freestanding four-bedroom abode was created by award-winning builder Hispec Homes for buyers “looking for something unique”.

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“It’s just a bit different against your typical side-by-side townhouse,” Mr Hegarty said.

“The quality of the product is impressive, and it’s really cool.”

It has living rooms and main bedrooms, with ensuites and walk-in wardrobes, on both its two levels.

A striking glass wall ensures the ground-floor lounge room is flooded with natural light.

This space flows into an open-plan dining and kitchen space, where marble benchtops, Miele appliances and a butler’s pantry await for any wannabe chef.

The grounds feature two decks — one a north-facing alfresco “room”, and the other isolated at the property’s rear and containing the bathtub.

There’s a second tub in the shared upstairs bathroom.

High-end fittings include European Oak floors, New Zealand wool carpets, double-glazed windows and Smartphone-operated CCTV.

The property is being sold privately.

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samantha.landy@news.com.au

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Vitamin king Marcus Blackmore has sold his Newport deep waterfront in just 16 days for more than $8 million, after a hearty tussle between three super-keen buyers.

The trophy home at 100 Prince Alfred Pde came to market on July 7 for a pre-auction showing, and the buyers were quick to pounce.

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Lachlan Elder, of LJ Hooker Mona Vale, said he could not comment on the sale price, however industry sources have revealed it was more than $8 million.

Mr Elder said the buyer was from the Manly area. He said there were three buyers, two local and one from country NSW, who were actively chasing the luxury property.

“They were racing to exchange,” he said.

The listing came just days after news broke that supermodel Jen Hawkins and her husband Jake Wall had found a buyer for their Newport waterfront mansion, in a deal rumoured to be worth about $20 million.

The founder of Blackmores, Mr Blackmore, and his wife Caroline bought their Prince Alfred Pde home in 1995 for $1.31 million. Mr Elder said it had been the couple’s principal home, and they had spent years and a significant sum renovating the property over the years.

“The whole thing is virtually brand new,” he said.

The couple won’t be moving far – they are building a new home across Pittwater, on another north-facing waterfront at Bayview.

They bought the 1501sqm property with an existing house on Pittwater Rd in June 2016 for $9.25 million, and obtained DA approval for a new home, swimming pool and jetty.

According to Northern Beaches Council documents from the development application, the new build is worth $3,375,592.

Mr Elder said he the location and aspect of the Prince Alfred Pde property were big drawcards, as well as the boating facilities including boat shed, ramp, sandy beach, deep water jetty and a large boat berthing facility.

Mr Elder said there was strong interest in general in property across his area of the northern beaches – a trend he has put down to the severe shortage of quality stock.

“We had our best June on record,” he said.

“I can’t believe it really, I would have thought the market would have gone pear-shaped but it hasn’t.”

He said low stock levels – particularly in the prestige part of the market, was keeping activity levels strong.

He said he had buyers at all price points – including one who was looking for a luxury north-facing deep waterfront property and had $20 million to spend.

“Stock is still pretty tight, that’s what’s creating a bit of a frenzy really,” he said.

The new owners of Mr Blackmore’s home will also be getting new neighbours. No. 98 Prince Alfred Pde sold in a super secret off-market deal through James Baker, of McGrath Avalon.

Although he would not reveal any details of the sale, an industry source revealed it sold for about $7.2 million.

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Call it home or tap into the Fleurieu Peninsula’s bed and breakfast market – or do a bit of both.

The 2.27ha McLaren Flat estate at 314 Kangarilla Rd has three separate residences, offering prospective buyers endless opportunities.

Known as Bella Cosa, it includes The Cottage, The Chapel and The Gallery.

Each have been rented out as short-term accommodation for years but the owners’ decision to sell is giving someone else the chance to put their stamp on it.

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Southgate Real Estate director Mike Cross, who is selling the property through an expressions of interest campaign, said it could serve as a combined home and B&B, or be one or the other.

“It’s a really amazing and unique sort of place,” he said.

“There’s only a handful of places around here with multiple dwellings so it’s unique from that view.

“It’s being used as a bed and breakfast with three distinctly different styled dwellings.”

While all three residences have been modernised over the years, each offers something different.

Character charm sets The Cottage apart, cathedral ceilings and stained-glass windows make The Chapel stand out, and contemporary design trends define The Gallery.

Mr Cross said the owners renovated all three buildings after buying the property in 2015, including converting The Gallery into a residence.

“It was used previously as a cafe and gallery but now it’s been fully converted into a B&B,” he said.

The property also has a pool, small pine forest and hobby vineyard.

Mr Cross said so far it was attracting local and interstate interest.

“We’ve had a lot of interest so far, most of the inquiries are coming from people who want to rent it as a B&B operation,” he said.

Mr Cross said the property made more than $100,000 as a B&B in the 2018-19 financial year, with bookings gradually picking up following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.

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