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Waurn Ponds farmland rezoned for houses after planning fight for sale

Land at 35 Hams Rd, Waurn Ponds, is rezoned and has a planning permit for a residential development.

Waurn Ponds farmland rezoned for a residential development following a protracted planning battle with objectors has been listed for sale.

The 9.4ha property at 35 Hams Road forms part of a larger tract of land bound by existing housing, the Geelong to Warrnambool train line, Baanip Boulevard and the Geelong Road Road and Anglesea Road interchange.

Geelong’s council agreed to rezone the land from farming to residential and approved planning permits to build 214 new house lots over the combined properties.

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Maxwell Collins, Geelong agent Nick Lord said price expectations for the property was around $4.4 million to $4.8 million.

“A developer will look at their costs and see what they can realise from the site and therefore be happy to pay,” he said.

“But we expect there to be some healthy competition.”

Land at 35 Hams Rd, Waurn Ponds, is rezoned and has a planning permit for a residential development.

Mr Lord said the land makes up the eastern component of the development site and holds a planning permit for about 80 house lots.

“There is other ownership next door and they’re still holding their land but they went through the rezone together,” he said.

“The site is well positioned, close to the Waurn Ponds shopping centre and a really good in-fill site for residential development and is now only walking distance to Waurn Ponds train station.”

Waurn Ponds Train Station is a draw for many buyers to the southern suburbs.

Mr Lord said interest for the property has already emerged locally, from Melbourne and interstate.

Offers close September 24.

“A site like this is well positioned for that middle-sized developer with the size of the lots,” he said.

“It’s fairly unique. A lot of land that sells in Geelong is land banking that might be three to 10 years away from development, whereas this site is ready to go.”

Deakin University’s main Waurn Ponds Campus is off Pigdons Road.

The State Government signed off on the rezoning in July.

Geelong’s council agreed to changes to the proposal, including 850sq m minimum lot sizes facing Hams Rd, with no block smaller than 400sq m throughout the development.

Councillors approved the development in March, following support from a planning panel, appointed by state’s planning minister to consider submissions, including 159 objections.

Council officers rejected objector claims the initial development, which had a larger mix of medium-density lots, had the potential to create an enclosed “ghetto”.

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Back to school? 5 tips for a better work-school blend

Back to school this year is no joke. Keeping your business in motion while juggling childcare and distance learning is going to be a challenge, but with a few tweaks and a positive attitude, agents can find ways to blend more family time into the workday.

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Best suburbs to invest in Melbourne 2019

If you’re looking to invest in property, there are several things you’ll need to take into account: the cost, the rental yield, and the likelihood that your property continues to increase in value over time.

Melbourne property is highly sought after – but what kind of return on your investment can you expect from purchasing there? And what were the best suburbs to invest in Melbourne in 2019?

Using the latest data from realestate.com.au, we’ve compiled a list of this year’s 10 best suburbs to invest in Melbourne, based on the yearly median sale price, the year-on-year change in the median sale price, and the average rental yield for properties in these suburbs.

1: Flemington, Average Rental Yield of 3.09%

Getting the top spot for Melbourne’s best suburb to invest in is Flemington, located 4 kilometres north-west of Melbourne city centre. The median sale price for the past 12 months is $990.000, and the year-on-year change in the median sale price is a notable 6.14%.

On top of that, the average rental yield is 3.09%. While not the highest rental yield in the top ten, Flemington tops the list in terms of change in median sale price.

Flemington

Flemington, located 4 kilometres north-west of Melbourne city centre, is Melbourne’s top investment suburb. Picture: realestate.com.au

2: Cairnlea, Average Rental Yield of 3.56%

Cairnlea is Melbourne’s next best suburb to invest, with a median sale price of $740,000.00. 17 kilometres north-west of the CBD, Cairnlea’s year-on-year change in the median sale price is 1.54%, slightly lower than that of Flemington.

That being said, the yearly rental yield is a little higher: 3.56%.

Cairnlea

Leafy Cairnlea is located north-west of Melbourne’s CBD. Picture: realestate.com.au

3: North Melbourne, Average Rental Yield of 3.05%

Following Cairnlea is the inner-city suburb of North Melbourne.

North Melbourne costs a pretty penny to invest in, with a median sale price of $1,166,000. The year-on-year change in sale price sits at 1.39%, while the rental yield is 3.05%.

North Melbourne

North Melbourne isn’t the cheapest market to enter, in Melbourne. Picture: realestate.com.au

4: Derrimut, Average Rental Yield of 3.78%

17 kilometres west of the CBD is Derrimut, the fourth-best suburb to invest in Melbourne. With a median sale price of $615,000, Derrimut is the least expensive suburb to invest in our list.

Derrimut has a year-on-year change in the median sale price of 0.00%, and a relatively high rental yield for Melbourne suburbs, of 3.78%.

Derrimut

Derrimut is a fantastic place to invest. Picture: realestate.com.au

5: Hadfield, Average Rental Yield of 3.19%

Hadfield comes in next, 10.5 kilometres north of the CBD. Hadfield has a median yearly sale price of $717,250, with a negative year-on-year change of -0.21%. The rental yield is a positive 3.19%.

Hadfield

Hadfield is number 5 on the list of top investment suburbs. Picture: realestate.com.au

6: Balaclava, Average Rental Yield of 3.23%

Situated much closer to the city is Balaclava, just 7 kilometres south of the city and a short 9-minute drive to the beach.

Balaclava has a median sale price of $1,186,000 and a change in the median sale price of -0.34%. The rental yield sits at 3.23%.

Balaclava

Balaclava is close to Melbourne’s CBD and beach. Picture: realestate.com.au

7: Ascot Vale, Average Rental Yield of 2.94%

Next is Ascot Vale, a short 6 kilometres north-west of the city. Ascot Vale has a median sale price of $1,140,000 and a yearly change in the sale price of -1.30%.

The rental yield is the second-lowest of our list, at 2.94%.

Ascot Vale

Ascot Vale is just 6km from Melbourne’s CBD. Picture: realestate.com.au

8: Newport, Average Rental Yield of 3.09%

Newport comes in eighth, situated on the mouth of the Yarra River and just 7 kilometres south-west of the city.

It has a costly median sale price of $1,036,000 and a year-on-year change in the sale price of -1.78%. The rental yield here is slightly higher than Ascot Vale, at 3.09%.

Newport

Newport is close to Melbourne’s Yarra River. Picture: realestate.com.au

9: Malvern East, Average Rental Yield of 2.50%

Coming in ninth is the south-eastern suburb of Malvern East – with the lowest rental yield of 2.50%.

The median sale price here is $1,754,999, while the year-on-year change in the median sale price is -1.80%.

Malvern East

Malvern East is located in Melbourne’s southeastern region. Picture: realestate.com.au

10: Altona Meadows, Average Rental Yield of 3.30%

And lastly, Altona Meadows is the tenth best suburb to invest in Melbourne. The yearly median sale price here is $625,000, with a year-on-year change of -2.34%. The rental yield comes in at a promising 3.30%.

Altona Meadows

Altona Meadows rounds out the list of top ten investment suburbs in Melbourne for 2019. Picture: realestate.com.au

The post Best suburbs to invest in Melbourne 2019 appeared first on realestate.com.au.

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Luxury acreage snapped up for $3.85m after one inspection

The luxury Guanaba estate known as Bluestone.

A luxury acreage in the Gold Coast Hinterland has sold for $3.85 million to the first buyer who laid eyes on it.

The 4.32ha prestige estate in Guanaba, 30 minutes northwest of Surfers Paradise, was on the market for just five days with an asking price of $3.5 million.

The private rural holding has a long list of features.

Kollosche’s Kara Evatt, who led the marketing campaign with Eddie Wardale, said a local family fell in the love with the estate after one private inspection.

“The buyers were local and it was definitely an emotional purchase for them,” she said.

“They fell in love with the property from the first point of entry. They’re really looking forward to raising their family out there on acreage.”

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An outdoor pizza oven is made for a meal under the stars.

The property was viewed more than 8000 times online last week, with multiple offers made including an interstate party who inspected the property via FaceTime.

“We were inundated with inquiry from Brisbane, interstate and locals,” Ms Evatt said.

“There is nothing comparable to this property in the area.”

A large garage and carparking are appealing to prestige buyers.

The heli pad was a drawcard for many who missed out on the property.

Known as Bluestone, the Guanaba Creek Road estate has a six-bedroom residence and a long list of luxury features including an airconditioned gym, helicopter pad and hanger, heated pool, sauna and a six-car showroom-style garage.

“The garage and carparking were a big drawcard along with the tennis court and we have leftover buyers looking for a property with a heli pad,” Ms Evatt said.

“Based on the inquiry we received there are a lot of people looking for acreage properties.”

Grow your own organic vegetables in the garden

The post Luxury acreage snapped up for $3.85m after one inspection appeared first on realestate.com.au.

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4 out-of-town rentals we wish we lived in

COVID-19 restrictions have given many of us a reason to reconsider our lifestyles, making the country or coastal life look a lot more appealing than residing in the city.

These dreamy rentals currently on the market could be the change of scenery cooped-up tenants need – all within driving distance of major cities.

1. 3/37 Hospital Street, Daylesford, VIC

Daylesford dream rental

This one-bedder even features a spa overlooking the wilderness. Picture: realestate.com.au/rent

Daylesford, approximately 90-minutes’ drive from Melbourne CBD, offers a country town vibe and some beautiful heritage properties.

This one-bedroom home at 3/37 Hospital Street is up for grabs for $460 per week.

Previously a short-term rental, it’s now seeking longer-term residents.

The home consists of two levels: the ground floor features a modern kitchen and living area, while upstairs is the bedroom.

There’s also a luxurious spa overlooking Doctor’s Gully.

Daylesford is currently under stage three restrictions, which means you can see this property by private appointment if you already live in the area. Otherwise, you’ll need to rely on a virtual inspection.

2. 702 Mount Macedon Road, Mount Macedon, VIC

Mount Macedon dream rental

This stunning home comes fully furnished. Picture: realestate.com.au/rent

Swap your inner-city Melbourne apartment for this fully furnished country charmer at 702 Mount Macedon Road.

Imagine snuggling up by a roaring fire during the cold nights and enjoying bush walks during the days. Mount Macedon is also just a 50-minute drive from Melbourne’s CBD. For $630 per week, tenants can enjoy the country life in style in this home.

Mount Macedon is under stage three restrictions, which means only locals can see this home by private appointment. Anyone in metropolitan Melbourne will need to use virtual inspection tools.

3. 4a Delecta Avenue, Avalon Beach, NSW

Delecta Avenue

You have the ocean as your backyard at this dream rental. Picture: realestate.com.au/rent

Dubbed ‘Villa Delecta’, this two-bedroom cottage at 4a Delecta Avenue has direct access to Clareville Beach which will be the prime position come summer.

It also comes fully furnished, decked out with beautiful coastal furniture, internet, water and electricity also included in the $930-per-week price.

Avalon Beach is just a 50-minute drive from Sydney’s CBD and lucky Sydneysiders will be able to visit this property in person before applying.

4. 874 Coolamon Scenic Drive, Coorabell, NSW

Coorabell rental

Imagine waking up to these views every day. Picture: realestate.com.au/rent

The stunning rental at 874 Coolamon Scenic Drive is seeking new tenants for $1,500 per week.

Boasting three bedrooms, two bathrooms and some epic views of the Byron Hinterland, it’s likely this place will be snapped up quickly.

Tenants have the luxury of a wood fireplace, a garage and studio and a whole acre of land to call home.

Coorabell is a two-hour drive from Brisbane, a one-and-a-half-hour drive from the Gold Coast, or a 10-minute drive to Byron Bay.

Those living in New South Wales can attend one of the home’s inspections, however, Queenslanders are being advised by the state not to travel to NSW at present – so interested parties will have to inspect online.

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Jodie J Hill: Home Truths

Home Truths portrait of Jodie J Hill

Jodie J Hill has lived in more than 20 homes.

Jodie J Hill is a comedian and a real estate agent: the director of sheSELLS Real Estate Game Changers and sheLORDS Boutique Property Management.

Where do you live?

In Fairfield, a friendly and active community of people who love their neighbours, multicultural cuisine, comedy and parklands. I’m currently leasing a great old-school townhouse that has a big courtyard for my loyal dog, Buster, and two handsome young sons, Tasman and George.

What do you love most about your home?

The location. My sons walk and ride to school and we always have friends dropping in.

One thing you’d change?

Adding another room. It’s got to the stage where the kids don’t want to share a room anymore.

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How many homes have you ever lived in?

From childhood homes to share houses to warehouses and shopfronts, I would say more than 20. I’ve lived in homes in Adelaide, Castlemaine, Point Lonsdale, Melbourne and Vancouver, Canada, and I’ve loved them all. My father, Crawford Hill, ran his own real estate agency, so I grew up thinking everyone bought and sold every two years.

The most memorable?

227 Brougham Place, North Adelaide. My father snapped up this beautiful heritage terrace at an auction without telling my mother. She absolutely cracked it. But once she saw the views of Adelaide, he was forgiven. I did my very first comedy routine on the balcony for my 21st-birthday guests. It was a magic time.

Your first foot on the property ladder?

A house at 43 Campbell St, Castlemaine. It was another magical time in my life. This was an amazing heritage home with a giant backyard and wonderful neighbours. I regret selling it.

The highlights of your property journey?

Not buying one particular house at auction. Sometimes missing out on a property is a relief. It would have been a money pit.

Home Truths portrait of Jodie J Hill

Home is where the heart is.

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Best property advice you’ve heard?

My father always said to “buy beneath your means” so your mortgage does not become your noose.

Tips for homebuyers?

Use a buyers’ advocate to manage your conflicting budgetary and emotional needs and get you over the line, saving you time and money.

Future property plans?

To buy my dream property: a converted shopfront.

The post Jodie J Hill: Home Truths appeared first on realestate.com.au.

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Petersham scores new suburb record after sprawling property sells $650k above reserve

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No. 84 Palace St at Petersham has set a new suburb record of $3.3 million.

A buzzing auction has stunned onlookers after a sprawling inner west property not only broke the suburb record, but also shattered the reserve.

The Petersham property at 84 Palace St sold to a local inner west family for a whopping $650,000 above reserve after a tussle broke out between three of the eight registered bidders.

This saw the property sell for $3.3 million, in what is the highest sale ever recorded for a residential house in Petersham.

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The home had a modern extension.

CoreLogic reveals this is around $200,000 more than next highest sale in Petersham — achieved in 2015 by 23-25 Shaw St.

The Agency — Inner West’s Shad Hassen said the result was incredible, with a bidding frenzy following the opening bid of $2.8 million.

“The opening bid was already $150,000 over the reserve, and this knocked out five bidders who were not expecting it go that high,” he said.

The four-bedroom house with a swimming pool and a double garage was popular with lower north shore, eastern suburbs and inner west buyers who have remained confident during the pandemic.

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There is also an upstairs office.

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Character charm can still be found.

“There are a lot of buyers at the moment wanting quality homes, and those with stable income sense now is the time to buy with interest rates so low,” Mr Hassen said.

“This home ticked all the boxes with it occupying a block for Petersham, and that it was move in ready with off-street parking.”

The Petersham property was one of 632 auctions to take place across the Harbour City on a windy and cold weekend. CoreLogic reports a clearance rate of 71.9 per cent was achieved from 495 properties selling under the hammer.

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The opening bid of $2.8 million was $150,000 above reserve.

This is only slightly less than the 78.1 per cent achieved this time last year.

The inner west had the best clearance rate of 89.5 per cent across Sydney, with 38 out of 47 properties going under the hammer selling.

With a quintessential Victorian era facade, the Palace St property mixes character charm with modern features on the inside. It had an early 2000s extension, swimming pool and a separate studio that could be used as a home office or for guest accommodation.

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