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Big sale – 27 Cherry St, Warrawee.

There is no doubt the COVID-19 pandemic has hit Australia hard, and the property market has not been untouched.

But one upper north shore agent has defied the odds, selling 18 properties in July for a combined total of $51.751 million.

Leading the sales was 27 Cherry St, Warrawee, which sold in just seven days for $5.35 million.

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David Walker, director of Way White Upper North Shore, said the key to success was pricing properties realistically to attract competition and urgency.

“We had 33 individual inspections during two open homes and the buyer was a young family who have been renting in the area while waiting for the right property to purchase,” he said.

“The appeal of this home was its north orientation on the block, and the quality of the full brick, custom Felton Constructions build.”

Mr Walker said demand was outstripping supply and the lack of stock was working in the vendor’s favour.

“In an area where there’s still strong demand, buyers who are looking to upgrade or downsize are able to take advantage of historically low interest rates,” he said.

“All indications are that low stock numbers will continue, and with a shortage of properties available for buyers to choose from, I believe sellers can still achieve a great outcome for the balance of the year.

“We don’t know what’s around the corner, but we do know that right now buyers are plentiful, interest rates are low, and stock is still limited, creating high demand for particular homes.”

15 Coolabah Ave, Turramurra.

And if a seven-day sale was not impressive enough, Mr Walker ended the month on a massive high.

“Our quickest sale of the month came at 15 Coolabah Ave in Turramurra, where the newly built home, that was meant to hit the market on the weekend, sold in three hours,” he said.

“We showed one buyer through prior to our first inspection, and within three hours, we were signing contracts.

“After a 12-month build process, and the vendors spending countless hours preparing it for sale, all their hard work paid off with an incredible sale result of $4,400,000.”

$2M BRACKET A HIT

Sales on the upper north shore around the $2 million mark were flavour of the week in both auctions and private treaties.

Four of the top five auctions results were just under the mark or over it, and four of the five top private treaty results were more than $2 million.

Among the results was the $2.25 million sale of 26 Awatea Rd, St Ives Chase for $2.25 million.

26 Awatea Rd, St Ives Chase.

The 921sqm property had a guide of $2.2 million and came with its own indoor heated swimming pool, as well as a four-bedroom house with multiple living spaces.

Katheryn Purdy, of Di Jones North Shore – Wahroonga, said there had been strong interest in the home, particularly from families wanting to be in the catchment of the popular St Ives North Primary School.

She said the buyer was a local who loved the design of the home. The vendors had originally bought the property to knock it down and start again with a new home, but then decided on a full renovation.

“Anything around the $2 million mark is going like hot cakes at the moment,” Ms Purdy said. “There’s still not much stock around so that’s definitely helping sales.

“I think we’re in a bit of a bubble at the moment.”

FAMILY SHIPPING OUT

SBS director of sport Ken Shipp has set a September 5 auction date for his Greenwich family home.

Mr Shipp, his wife and their two daughters are downsizing from the four-bedroom home at 3 Valleyview Cres. They have owned the 898sqm property for 10 years.

The single-level home has multiple living zones, with the family room opening to a deck overlooking the pool and rear yard.

3 Valleyview Cres, Greenwich.

Other features include high detailed ceilings, neutral interiors, timber floors, Caesarstone kitchen, single garage and separate carport.

The property is located within walking distance of Greenwich Public School, and is also close to Greenwich village and St Leonards train station.

The street is very tightly held – there have only been two sales in the past five years, the most recent earlier this year.

The sale of 18 Valleyview Cr in March for $2.75 million also set a new price record for the street, smashing the previous one set in 2018 by $550,000.

James Bennett and Baxter van Heyst, of Belle Property Lane Cove, are marketing the property with a $3 million price guide.

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Hedges Ave, Mermaid Beach, is regarded as one of Queensland’s ‘power’ streets.

WELCOME to the Sunshine State’s power streets.

These are the streets where some of Queensland’s wealthiest CEOs, celebrities and sporting legends own multi-million dollar mansions.

From Olympians and billionaire business owners to property tycoons and former politicians. you know you’ve made it if you own a home in one of these exclusive addresses.

Clive Palmer owns this beachfront home in Hedges Ave, Mermaid Beach.

When it comes to power streets, the Gold Coast’s self-proclaimed ‘millionaire’s row’ Hedges Avenue needs no introduction — just deep pockets.

The exclusive beachfront strip at Mermaid Beach is home to the likes of Clive Palmer, who paid $12 million for a five-bedroom mansion at 9 Hedges Ave in 2018 and Harvey Norman executive Steve Cavalier, who bought 213 Hedges Ave for a whopping $19 million in 2006.

More recently, oil mogul Peter Mitchell sold an 810 sqm double block at 67 & 69 Hedges Ave to Village Roadshow CEO Clark Kirby and his former television presenter wife, Sara, for $10.3 million.

Clive Palmer photographed on the Gold Coast. Photographer: Russell Shakespeare.

Other high profile residents include Gold Coast businessman Jack Ray and his TV personality wife, Natalie Gruzlewski; former Tourism Queensland chairman Terry Jackman; and members of the Tristram family who founded the Tristram’s soft-drinks business.

Mermaid Beach has a median house price of $1.585 million and is one of the most in-demand suburbs among potential home buyers, according to Realestate.com.au.

Cohen Handler Queensland managing director and buyer’s agent Jordan Navybox said his clients wanted to live as close as possible to the “hotspot” of Mermaid Beach.

Television presenter Natalie Gruzlewski and her husband, Jack Ray, own a house on Hedges Ave, Mermaid Beach. Image supplied.

“Everyone wants to be in Hedges Ave — even if they can’t get into it,” Mr Navybox said.

The equivalent power street on the Sunshine Coast would have to be Seaview Terrace in sought-after Sunshine Beach.

A high-profile couple paid $17 million for a mediterranean style mansion in May this year, while breakfast TV host Karl Stefanovic and his wife, Jasmine, bought in the street for $3.6 million in January.

Karl Stefanovic and his wife Jasmine have bought this house on Seaview Tce.

Television and film producer Jude Bailey and Russian hemp trader Evgeny Skigin also own homes in Seaview Terrace, Sunshine Beach, which has a median house price of $1.54 million.

Adrian Reed, director of Reed & Co Estate Agents, said it was no surprise that buyers loved Sunshine Beach — especially Seaview Terrace.

“The elevation from the beach offers privacy and a sense of seclusion, and one of the most spectacular beach and coral sea views on the eastern seaboard,” Mr Reed said.

Karl Stefanovic and Jasmine Yarbrough own a house in Seaview Tce, Sunshine Beach. Photo: Scott Ehler.

In Brisbane, Aaron Avenue in Hawthorne is a magnet for the well-heeled, with mining magnate Gina Rinehart the owner of $18.5 million worth of house and land.

Finance wizard Noel Whittaker also holds prime real estate in the street adn Goodlife Health Clubs co-founder Leon McNiece did until recently.

Properties are also owned by a property developer, a lawyer and business identities.

Gina Rinehart owns property in Aaron Ave, Hawthorne. Picture supplied.

Also on the river, King Arthur Terrace in Tennyson made headlines late last year when Brisbane Broncos CEO Karl Morris sold his property in the street to Canstuct International CEO Rory Murphy for $17.6 million.

The street is also home to the son of Super Amart founder John Van Lieshout.

Place Estate Agents managing director Sarah Hackett is marketing a 10 bedroom, eight-bathroom Great Gatsby-style mansion at 121 King Arthur Tce owned by Mark Brodie, the former owner of Queensland takeaway-chicken chain, Brodie’s.

Broncos chairman Karl Morris sold his home in King Arthur Tce, Tennyson, for $17.6m. Picture: Peter Wallis.

Mrs Hackett said she had recently received an offer of more than $10 million for the luxurious riverfront estate, which had attracted interest from a number of successful “under-the-radar” business owners.

“(King Arthur Tce) is a north facing street, it’s elevated and looks over the golf course,” Mrs Hackett said.

“You could be anywhere in Queensland with that view, it’s just magical.

This property at 121 King Arthur Tce, Tennyson, is owned by the founder of the Brodie’s takeaway chain, Mark Brodie.

“People do pick streets just because usually they’re attracted to the similar type of homes there and the feel of it.

“Quality neighbours are important too. With so many high-end sales in a street, you’re not going to overcapitalise if you invest there.”

Sutherland Ave in the affluent suburb of Ascot has always been regarded as one of Brisbane’s most prestigious addresses.

This house at 14 Sutherland Ave, Ascot, sold for more than $13m recently. Image: CoreLogic.

With only 16 houses in the street, property records show some of the homes have been held by the same owners for more than 40 years.

High profile residents include renowned fashion designer Keri Craig, Sentinel Property Group managing director Andrew Beaumont and Swissport vice president Glenn Rutherford who bought the former home of Domino’s Pizza boss Don Meij.

The record sale price for the suburb was broken earlier this year when ‘Windermere’ at 14 Sutherland Avenue fetched $13.14 million.

Coronis executive Craig Gillies is selling this house at 41 Sutherland Ave, Ascot.

Down the road in blue-chip Hamilton, Dickson Terrace is the ultimate address.

The street is famous for the extravagant mansion built by disgraced businessman Christopher Skase, which was bought by hotelier Steven Shoobridge for $10.13 million in 2018.

The owners of uniform manufacturer, Weareco, fourth generation jeweller Margot McKinney and property developer, Anthony Barakat, also own mansions in the street.

An aerial image of 36 Dickson Tce, Hamilton, which is the former home of Christopher Skase and now owned by hotelier Steven Shoobridge.

In the same suburb, Harbour Road is home to fitness empire queen Lorna Jane Clarkson.

An eight-bedroom, nine-bathroom masterpiece built for developer Don O’Rorke of Consolidated Properties at 33B Harbour Road is for sale.

The statement residence, which is called Balaam, sits on a 1609 sqm block with 48m of river frontage and is for sale for offers over $6 million with Ray White New Farm principal Matt Lancashire.

Fitness queen and entrepreneur Lorna Jane Clarkson lives in Dickson Tce, Hamilton. Image supplied.

Mr Lancashire is also marketing a home in the tightly-held Oxlade Drive in New Farm, which he regards as a definite ‘power street’, occupied by CEOs and old money families.

The property for sale at 36A Oxlade Drive is one of just nine riverfront homes on the strip, with direct access to the boardwalk.

“The last house that sold along there was in 2013,” Mr Lancashire said.

This mansion at 33b Harbour Rd, Hamilton, is for sale.

“It’s very prestigious… with generally larger blocks with direct river frontage and pontoons. It’s just unbelievable territory.

“As soon as something comes up there, it is the talk of the town because it just doesn’t happen.

“The prices along that strip could challenge Brisbane’s (house price) record.”

Property records show the cheapest residential sale along Oxlade Drive was $5.6 million.

Mr Lancashire said Teneriffe Drive in the neighbouring suburb of Teneriffe was also streets ahead of the competition.

“It has some of Brisbane’s most exclusive homes, with city views, and only 1km from the CBD,” he said.

This property at 36a Oxlade Dr, New Farm, is for sale. Oxlade Drive is sought-after street, with multi-million dollar properties.

Mr Lancashire said demand for prestige property in Brisbane was stronger than ever, despite the impact of COVID-19.

“The wealth at the moment is outrageous,” he said.

“I’ve got seven active buyers looking to spend over $10 million. I’m talking to them every couple of days.

“The stock in the top end of town is really tight.

“I was nervous when COVID started, but now we’re having a party in the top end.”

QUEENSLAND’S 10 POWER STREETS

1. Seaview Terrace, Sunshine Beach

2. Hedges Avenue, Mermaid Beach

3. Harbour Road, Hamilton

4. Aaron Avenue, Hawthorne

5. Brisbane Corso, Yeronga

6. Sutherland Avenue, Ascot

7. King Arthur Terrace, Tennyson

8. Dickson Terrace, Hamilton

9. Oxlade Drive, New Farm

10.
Teneriffe Drive, Teneriffe

The post QLD’s power streets revealed: where the state’s high flyers live appeared first on realestate.com.au.

Auctioneer Stuart Davies (right) and agent Michael Pallier at the auction of Woollahra home. Picture: David Swift

THE COVID-19 pandemic may have put a wrecking ball to the economy but the uncertain times failed to deter bidders from putting in multimillion-dollar offers for a historic Woollahra house.

The character-filled home on Harkness St with harbour views sold under the hammer for $5.71m after attracting 11 registered bidders at auction on Saturday.

The property was the home of John Lysaght, 91, who in the 1980s ran the now BHP subsidiary that makes Colorbond roofs and Zincalume steel.

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Mr Lysaght had lived at the home more than 30 years and was downsizing to Rose Bay. He watched the auction from within his car, wary of mingling with onlookers during the pandemic.

The home was well-presented but considered a “fixer upper” because of the scope for improvement.

His son Andrew said the family was delighted with the result. “It was more than we expected but you never know what’s going to happen at an auction,” the younger Mr Lysaght said.

“I was nervous about the auction about eight weeks ago. We weren’t really sure what direction the market was taking but it seems to be strong in the east.”

Selling agent Michael Pallier of Sydney Sotheby’s International said the $5.71m price was “what the house deserved” and well over reserve.

“It’s a fantastic location,” he said. “No one really knew exactly what the price would be prior to the auction because it is a unique property.”

A crowd of about 70 people were at the auction, spread across both sides of the street.

The guide was $4.5m and more than 30 groups requested contracts of sale for the property.

The buyer was understood to be an Indonesian businessman based in Bondi Junction, but he got his architect Simon Hanson, director of renowned firm Bureau SRH, to bid on his behalf. Mr Hanson said the plan was to redesign the circa 120-year-old home but the project was yet to be finalised.

“It’s an incredible location. We’re not sure what we’ll do but it won’t be much … we’ll find out what we’re working with once we take a closer look,” he said.

Eight of the 11 registered bidders put in offers but the auction was initially slow to get started.

Architect Simon Hanson from Bureau SRH Architecture is working with the winning bidders to develop the property.

Mr Hanson bid on his client’s behalf.

Auctioneer Stuart Davies received an opening bid of $3m about two minutes after launching proceedings and the bidders needed plenty of encouragement.

It was only when the bidding hit the $4m mark that a series of rapid-fire offers came in. “There is such good bidding. It’s a shame there can only be one winner,” Mr Davies said during the auction.

Mr Pallier said some bidders were holding their cards close to their chests but it was apparent they were prepared to spend big. “I have a theory about property,” he said. “People’s focus is on the home at the moment because they can’t go overseas and spend on (entertainment) so the market is strong.”

The post Former steel boss, 91, gets $5.71m at auction for historic Woollahra house appeared first on realestate.com.au.

Eight-year-old boy Michael Hamdan was the winning bidder at a Greenacre auction. Picture: David Swift

He is just eight years old but Michael Hamdan could be Sydney’s youngest property investor.

The southwest Sydney resident was the winning bidder at the auction of a cluster of five one-bedroom studios in Greenacre Saturday, beating out competition from six other registered bidders.

The homes on Juno Pde were snapped up under the hammer for $970,000 after going to market with expectations of about $800,000.

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Selling agent Mark Saleh of Harcourts-Greenacre said the eight-year-old’s entry into the auction was met with astonishment from the crowd of onlookers.

“I’ve never seen anything like it,” Mr Saleh said. “All the other bidders were a bit shocked.”

Mr Hamdan led much of the auction, placing the opening bid and came into the sale with a strategy to “slow bidding down”, according to his property developer father.

Michael Hamdan and agent Mark Saleh of Harcourts-Greenacre at the Greenacre property.

“He was enjoying playing monopoly with the bids,” the dad said. “We made it a fun experience.”

The boy was unable to directly buy the property because of his age, but his father said he purchased the investment properties for him.

His son handed the cheque to the sellers as part of the transaction.

The property developer said he wanted his son to be involved in the purchase of the former housing commission units so he could learn as much as possible about Sydney’s pressure cooker property market.

“I’m trying to teach him everything I know,” he said. “I used to get very uncomfortable bidding at auctions, I know what it’s like. I hope this will build up his confidence.”

The Juno Parade property has five one-bedroom homes on it.

The father-son team will renovate the properties and rent them out.

“(Michael) will be involved every step of the way … he will make the choices,” the dad said, adding the child would be picking out fittings and fixtures with his guidance.

Auctioneer Rob Trovato of Auction Services was calling the bids and said there was a reasonable level of competition from the other bidders, who were mostly investors and other developers.

There was a high level of competition for the properties.

The younger Hamdam stood out, Mr Trovato said. “He attempted some low-ball bids which had to be knocked back, but a lot of people try that … the two of them were having a bit of fun with it.”

ING research showed the average age of Sydney first homebuyers was 38.2, up from 34.7 in 2005.

“The property market is difficult to get into,” the older Hamdan said. “I wanted to train my son up … we saw this as a good investment.”

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A new report suggests the Townsville property market has begun its recovery after several negative years, noting the city’s “resilience” during the COVID-19 crisis.

The Herron Todd White Month in Review Report for August has both the Townsville house and unit markets at the “start of recovery”.

“The resilience of the Townsville residential market post COVID-19 continues to astound us with increasing sentiment and a noticeable increase in vacant land sales and new home construction following the $25,000 Homebuilder grant,” the report said.

“The investor market for house flippers continues to see good activity, particularly in established suburbs such as Railway Estate, Currajong and Gulliver.

“The entry level price for this type of investment is in the low $200,000s range.”

This house at 1 Quandong St, Currajong is for sale for $349,000

The report also pointed to reports from local agents of an increase in inquiries from trad­itional investors from interstate, and of buyers’ agents representing buyers from out of town becoming more active in the market.

Further, the report said the number of properties advertised for rent on real­estate.com.au within the greater Townsville region had reduced considerably, from about 850 in mid-April to about 450 in mid-July.

The Real Estate Institute of Queensland this week revealed the Townsville rental vac­ancy rate had shrunk to its lowest on record, tightening to just 1.7 per cent. That’s down from 2.9 per cent in March, and the record high of 7.1 per cent in September 2016.

“Overall there are many suburbs throughout Townsville with solid yield investing options available, particularly if not seeking short to medium term capital growth,” the report said.

“As yields vary based on demand and supply in the rental market, it is important when buying an investment property to consider property that will appeal to a wide range of ­potential renters.”

This unit at 4/100 The Esplanade is listed for $399,950. Supplied

The latest REA Market Trends report for August shows Charters Towers has the highest indicative rental yield in the region, with a whopping 13.2 per cent return.

Its rental vacancy rate has shrunk from 5 per cent in the March quarter to just 1.5 per cent in the June quarter.

In Townsville, Garbutt units are reaping the highest rental yields, with 11.31 per cent, while for houses, the top suburb is Rasmussen, with 7.92 per cent.

Michele Hyde of RE/MAX Excellence is marketing a three-bedroom unit in Belgian Gardens, one of the top performing suburbs for rental yields, for $399,950.

Ms Hyde said the local unit market, and Townsville as a whole, was showing some positive signs of recovery.

“Land sales have taken off,” she said. “We had a few blocks that were sitting for a while and now people are really taking advantage of the government funding (to build a new home),” she said.

“A lot of people are now finding it is cheaper to buy than rent.”

TOP 10 SUBURBS FOR RENTAL YIELDS (units)

Garbutt 11.31%

Hermit Park 10.4%

Idalia 9.84%

Rosslea 9.06%

Pimlico 8.19%

Douglas 8.03%

Belgian Gardens 7.98%

Kirwan 6.71%

West End 6.44%

South Townsville 6.12%

TOP 10 SUBURBS FOR RENTAL YIELDS (houses)

Rasmussen 7.92%

Garbutt 7.52%

Currajong 7.15%

Deeragun 7%

Vincent 6.93%

Wulguru 6.88%

Oonoonba 6.62%

Heatley 6.55%

Kelso 6.51%

Gulliver 6.5%

(Source: REA Market Trends report, August)

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63 Bruce Street, Coburg

Selling after Melbourne entered stage four COVID-19 restrictions has paid off handsomely for a young Coburg family.

Vendors Lillian and Daniel Skinner achieved a $115,000 premium with the online auction of 63 Bruce Street, despite the citywide lockdown turning the pair’s sale campaign on its head.

Private inspections were banned as part of the city’s coronavirus restrictions, which are due to last until September 13.

“We literally had three days to get everybody that was interested through the house (before stage four lockdown started),” Ms Skinner said. “It was nerve-racking, to say the least.”

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A rear extension was added to 63 Bruce Street, Coburg.

Open-plan living with a skylight at the Coburg home.

The family spent hours walking the block to ensure as many prospective buyers as possible could view the five-bedroom home, which sold under the virtual hammer for $1.815 million.

Realestate.com.au records show the property, which the couple renovated and extended, last sold for $990,000 in June 2017. “We really tried to keep the period charm of the home, then also have the modern day family in mind,” Ms Skinner said. “My husband did everything, even the vanities — he made them himself, it’s a testament to him.”

One of two tiled bathrooms in the Coburg home.

There are also five bedrooms.

The house sold for $1.815m.

The pair completed the renovation to live in, before the arrival of their one-year-old son forced a change of heart. They now plan to move regionally, to a 10-acre block closer to family.

Ray White Brunswick director Alex Ilyin said the Skinner family had presented an “exceptional home that’s been fitted to the utmost, pristine standard”.

In nearby Preston, a tired three-bedroom house at 12 Stott Street smashed the reserve price by $190,000.

The dated home at 12 Stott St, Preston, has structural issues.

The property still presented well for buyers.

The house fetched $950,000.

The run-down investment property sold for $950,000.

Stockdale & Leggo Reservoir agent Aldo Verga said about half of the bidding came from buyers that didn’t get the chance to see the house in person. “It does need some structural attention,” Mr Verga said. “A lot of (buyers) were looking to knock it over anyway and build their dream home,

Elsewhere, marathon bidding ended with a $741,000 sale at 8 Carex Way, South Morang. The three-bedroom brick home topped its reserve price by $61,000 in the hour-long auction.

No. 8 Carex Way, South Morang, sold for $741,000.

The property’s virtual auction lasted close to an hour.

Barry Plant North Eastern Group agent Tony Ong said the vendors had been nervous heading into the virtual auction. “Now they’re very happy, they’re jumping up and down,” Mr Ong said.

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jack.boronovskis@news.com.au

@jackboronovskis

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Inside the beautiful 3 Kerley St, Geelong.

THIS stylish inner-city townhouse occupies one of the city’s most magnificent locations.

Perched just back from the waterfront on the verge of Geelong’s CBD, new owners can watch the dolphins play in Corio Bay, or enjoy a coffee along the strip every day.

Perfect for the professional couple (the train station is within walking distance), investors and downsizers, the architect-designed residence at 3 Kerley Street offers the best of inner-city living a 206sq m block.

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Hodges, Geelong West agent Jeff Begg has the listing, with a price guide of $1.35m to $1.45m.

Timber trimmings offer natural warmth and a pleasing aesthetic inside.

Mr Begg said the architecture was influenced by the city’s historic woolstore warehouses located just a block down the street, while new owners would reap all the rewards of Geelong CBD living.

“It’s a great apartment alternative, on its own title with no owners’ corporation expenses and or involvement in a multi-level complex,” Mr Begg said.

“There are not too many freestanding townhouses with such uninterrupted views around.

“It would be ideal for people looking for a city investment or a base in Geelong if they come here for work.”

As for the mentioned views – Geelong, Corio Bay and beyond await from the north-facing first floor deck.

(And, the Ashby Presbytery of St Peter and St Paul next door is heritage listed, so new owners won’t need to worry about losing their view).

Inside, the beautiful residence offers cosy simplicity.

A peaceful retreat.

The ground level is home to the three spacious bedrooms, the main has a walk-in wardrobe and ensuite, while the other bedrooms each have a built-in wardrobe.

Downstairs is for sleeping.

Also on this level is the laundry and soothing main bathroom, as well as access to the private and secure paved rear courtyard.

Upstairs is all about living, and living large.

A spotless zone for cooking and eating.

Here, timber and natural light play a leading role with exposed beams, floor-to-ceiling bi-fold doors and polished timber floors.

All the ingredients for an easy-breezy lifestyle are on offer, including the relaxed kitchen with stone benchtops and stainless steel appliances, and one hell of an island bench.

The family chef will also love the amount of cabinetry and benchspace on offer, too, and can easily chat to guests while preparing meals.

Meals will be a taken with a view, so too after-dinner drinks, in the dining and living zone or, from the north-facing deck.

Bring on spring and summer.

Two words: Yes, please.

And, set up the work from home station in the handy study nook just off the living zone (although we can’t guarantee how much work will get done with so much to look at).

The secure abode has extra storage, off-street parking for two cars, with a single garage offering internal access to the laundry and rear courtyard.

The post Bay views are a big part of the picture in this stylish Geelong townhouse appeared first on realestate.com.au.

Will Hampson and Kate Lumby, with sons James and Lewis, on popular street Carters Rd in Dural. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

They’re Sydney’s most popular streets – the tree-lined avenues and waterfront roads where owning a home comes with the ultimate bragging rights – but you need deep pockets to buy there.

A review of real estate search activity revealed the Sydney streets where properties attract the most interest from home seekers are dominated by some of the country’s priciest homes.

They included small coastal streets in the city’s east along with long roads that meander through orchards and lush bushland dotted with mansions in Sydney’s semirural northwest.

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Other streets where the homes ranked among the most popular with home seekers were in private pockets of the northern beaches and north shore, according to the realestate.com.au research.

Outside the prestige market, Hills District suburbs Castle Hill and Baulkham Hills also had some of the most popular streets measured by online searches of property listings over the past three years.

Tivoli Ave, Rose Bay is Sydney’s most popular street.

But the street with the most popular houses was Tivoli Ave in Rose Bay, which nudged out Jane Place in Dural and Pacific St in Watsons Bay as the most coveted real estate address in NSW.

The Rose Bay street has the prestigious Kambala School on one wide while on the other are multimillion-dollar homes with direct water access.

Among the street’s most recent transactions was the sale of the Spanish Mission-style residence Villa Biscaya for close to $12.5m. Two other houses on the street sold last year for about $22m.

Other streets where listings attracted high buyer interest were Martin Rd in Centennial Park and Carrara Rd in Vaucluse.

The Carrara Rd homes have similar views to Tivoli St, while Martin Rd has historic upper market homes that look over the park.

Popular cul-de-sacs Pioneer Place in Castle Hill and Carmel Close and Caloola Place in Baulkham Hills featured mostly two-level houses that were larger than on surrounding streets.

Realestate.com.au chief economist Nerida Conisbee said Sydney’s most popular streets had homes that captured the imagination of buyers.

The houses along Pacific St in Watsons Bay, another of Sydney’s most popular streets.

“(The streets) are particularly nice, even for those affluent areas,” she said.

“They might have a better view, nicer houses or something else desirable that leads to higher levels of interest.”

Ray White TRG founder Gavin Rubenstein said houses along Tivoli Ave got “unbelievable interest” whenever they were listed.

“The Harbour aspect is pretty spectacular,” he said. “It’s like a postcard.”

Dural residents Kate Lumby and Will Hampson have lived on a cul-de-sac off Carters Rd, one of the northwest’s most popular streets, for 20 years and said it offered a country lifestyle with city conveniences.

“It’s a lush street with a lot of market gardens, a bit of bush. The homes are spectacular,” Mr Hampson said.

The couple run the local real estate business Lumby Hampson and recently sold $30m worth of homes on the street and its surrounds.

“It’s getting very popular,” Mr Hampson said. “Many of residents are multi-generational families, they’ll often be two houses on one block.

The Lumby-Hampson family walk down popular Carter Rd.

“People like the space. You can get a pool, tennis court, stables and many have veggie gardens. Pretty much every house has a home cinema.”

Ms Conisbee said the most popular streets for renters were vastly different, with Waterloo’s South Dowling Rd the most popular, followed by Naulty Place in Zetland.

“Renters are not aspirational, they are more practical,” she said. “They might be (looking) in suburbs like Marrickville or Petersham that are fun to live in, super cheap or close to universities.”

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Tracey Lester has sold a rare open warehouse space in Fitzroy.

Publican Tracey Lester has sold a Fitzroy warehouse she bought to turn into her dream home.

The creative mind behind colourful bars The Carlton Club, the Windsor Hotel and Helza Hotel sold 4 Wood Street for an undisclosed sum.

Nelson Alexander Fitzroy agent Sonya Laferla declined to comment on the sale price of the former artist’s residence, which was advertised with price expectations of $3.3-$3.5m.

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The warehouse space is a blank canvas.

It was formerly used as an artist residence.

“(Tracey’s) very pleased with the result and the buyers are ecstatic to have got such a special property,” Ms Laferla said.

She added that artists, designers and locals familiar with the building had all expressed interest in the property.

“A lot of the interest was from people looking at it from the point of view of working there as well as living there,” Ms Laferla said.

Tracey Lester is behind bars including The Carlton Club and Windsor Hotel.

Ms Lester added an upstairs deck to the property.

The site adjoins a park.

“The buyers would like to live in it for now and potentially use it later on for their business.”

Ms Lester purchased the property for $2.875m in September 2015, CoreLogic records show.

She previously told the Herald Sun the site would have been transformed into her dream home or a hospitality venue with an upstairs wellness centre, before the coronavirus pandemic prompted a change of heart.

Fitzroy Town Hall is just behind the property.

The property sold for an undisclosed sum.

The buyer is expected to move in, with later plans to operate their business out of the site.

“I always used to say, ‘I’m going to own that place one day’,” Ms Lester said.

“It’s actually huge though — it’s way too big for one person and a small dog. I guess COVID-19’s made me go, ‘Oh my house is amazing, I love my house’.”

Ms Lester lives at a nearby warehouse conversion.

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jack.boronovskis@news.com.au

@jackboronovskis

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