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An artist’s impression of Winim’s new project at 37-43a Garland Rd, Naremburn.

Hot on the heels of the major announcements about more than $1.5 billion worth of new commercial developments in North Sydney come two new residential projects in the area.

Sydney property fund manager WINIM has been given the green light to develop 17 luxury terrace homes at 37-43a Garland Road, Naremburn.

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The project is the group’s third residential development on the north shore, and joins OTTO Cremorne and The Terraces Willoughby.

WINIM’s joint managing director Josh Leahy said the Naremburn project would be aimed at owner occupiers.

He said the massive commercial investment in North Sydney and its surrounds, as well as the new metro and beaches links would be a major boost for suburbs like Naremburn.

“Naremburn is a bit of a hidden suburb,” he said. “Buyers want to be close to all these things (trains, buses, retail and restaurants) but they don’t want to be right in the heart of it.”

Prices have yet to be set for the terraces, but are expected to start around $2,750,000.

An artist’s impression of Winim’s new project at Naremburn.

Mr Leahy said the company had plenty of confidence in the area.

“Sydney’s lower north shore is a key part of our residential strategy to develop premium,

bespoke, well-conceived owner-occupier projects featuring exceptional design, located in

prime tightly held pockets such as Naremburn,” he said.

“As our third residential project to get underway on the lower north shore, Naremburn is a

significant landmark project which will greatly contribute to the undersupply of premium

owner-occupier dwellings in the suburb.

“These terraces are extremely generous in size with house-like proportions, direct internal

access to basement carparking and additional multipurpose rooms. All have north facing

aspects, large external areas and gardens, and immediate access to Bicentennial Reserve.

The bus stop at the end of the street offers an express non-stop service to the CBD.”

Mr Leahy said he expected the development would be highly sought after by families, resizers or those looking for a luxury house-size property with minimal maintenance and state of the art finishes.

Meanwhile, Colliers International have sold an entire residential apartment block as one mixed-use development site, at 45 McLaren St, North Sydney.

An artist’s impression of a potential concept design for the development of 45 McLaren St, North Sydney.

The deal, reported to be worth more than $55 million, involved 18 apartment owners.

Colliers agents Eugene White, Henry Burke and Guillaume Volz facilitated the sale to Podia, which is planning a mixed-use residential and commercial/retail development on the 1792sqm site, which is located 100m from the future Victoria Cross Metro station.

An artist’s impression of Lend Lease’s Victoria Cross development in North Sydney.

Mr Volz, Colliers’ national director of development site sales, said the sale was structured to a planning outcome that could achieve a substantial result for the strata owners.

“The sale continues the Colliers success with strata amalgamations that has resulted in representing over 300 owners in the last few years,” he said.

“They take a little bit of extra effort, however, if owners follow the process they can deliver outstanding results. It is not uncommon for owners to more than double the existing market value of their properties.”

Michael Grassi, Podia’s director of property and development, said they had big plans for the site.

“Our vision for 45 McLaren St is to create an exceptional architectural and urban design outcome for a mixed-use residential and commercial/retail building matched with a bold aspiration to deliver Australia’s first mixed-use carbon neutral building,” he said.

“We have one of Australia’s leading architects in Bates Smart and reputable town planners Urbis working with us and North Sydney Council to help bring this vision to life”.

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While a report has noted investors leaving the Hobart market, new data shows the suburbs that could catch their eye.

NEW realestate.com.au data has revealed some potential investment hot spots in a market that investors are neglecting.

Throughout greater Hobart, the website found three suburbs where houses offered rental yields above 6 or 7 per cent and five more (units) with yields of about 6 per cent.

While not a hard and fast rule, the Commonwealth Bank has pointed to a yield of 5 per cent and upward as being the sweet spot that investors look for.

Meanwhile, in its June Quarterly Report, the REIT revealed a near 50 per cent drop off in investor numbers throughout Tasmania in the three-month period. So, if there are suburbs with good potential and fewer investors in the current market, does that create opportunity?

Chief economist at realestate.com.au Nerida Conisbee said it might.

Another consideration, she said, was that for established housing, money was “almost free” at the minute.

“Rates are so low, it is just incredibly cheap,” she said.

“If you have got a solid, stable job, now could be a good time to look at upgrading a home or making an investment.”

Nerida Conisbee, chief economist at realestate.com.au

In the houses sector, realestate.com.au placed Bridgewater at No.1 with a yield at 7.09 per cent followed by Risdon Vale 6.47 per cent and Rokeby 6.29 per cent.

Montrose, Rokeby, Hobart, Warrane and Howrah units recorded yields in the 12 months through June between 6.06 per cent and 6.38 per cent.

Nerida said investor activity had slowed down prior to COVID-19 with the financial services Royal Commission almost putting a stop to it.

“Limited capital growth can be a turn off for investors. They are not as active and engaged now as they were several years ago,” she said.

“Investors can find areas with good yields, often in affordable suburbs, but maybe capital growth does not come with these areas — they tend to be careful with that type of trade-off.

“Some places to watch could be those Howrah or Hobart units, areas that see value growth and currently have strong yields, too.”

The property website’s data also revealed Hobart’s most expensive and affordable rental suburbs.

Battery Point and Sandy Bay were the most expensive suburbs to rent a house at $620 and $600 per week.

Hobart and Battery Point again were the most expensive unit markets at $500 and $465.

The cheapest suburbs for houses were Bridgewater ($360), Dodges Ferry and Risdon Vale ($370 each).

At $320 per week, Midway Point and Montrose tied for the No.1 most affordable place to rent a unit.

PRD Hobart director Tony Collidge said 2020 had finally seen a rise in the number of properties available for rent following a long period of tight vacancy rates.

And yet, few Hobart homes make the grade for affordability, he said.

“There is still only 28.2 per cent of available properties that fall below the affordable line of $400 per week,” he said.

PRD Hobart director Tony Collidge.

“With a freeing up of supply, rents have decreased by up to $30 per week in Hobart through the past quarter.

“Launceston rents also decreased by $10 per week while those on the North-West Coast remained stable.”

Tony said rentals had perhaps experienced the local market’s most significant impact of COVID-19.

“With interstate and international students either returning home or unable to return because of COVID-19, the rental stress that we had experienced till now was alleviated,” he said.

“Any stress was further reduced when the tourism market came to a grinding halt and many Airbnb owners were forced to go to the medium or long-term rental markets to obtain income.”

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911 Coolangatta Road, Lunawanna. Picture: SUPPLIED

VISITORS to Bruny Island are drawn to the seclusion and privacy and that’s exactly what’s on offer in this award-winning hot tub retreat.

Hundred Acre Hideaway provides beautiful accommodation in a peaceful setting and the unique opportunity to soak in spring-fed tubs while enjoying breathtaking views out to the Southern Ocean.

The property has three residences, each fully self-contained and offering their own unique design.

Each features an open-plan living, kitchen and dining area warmed by wood heaters.

Two 250kg gas bottles provide instant hot water, as well as power for cooking and fridges.

The manager’s or main residence is set within a fenced compound for privacy, with the bonus of an outdoor fire bath and a fire pit.

Absolute paradise.

Total tranquillity.

This property is sustainable living at its best. There is no electricity, water or sewerage bills with all electricity manufactured onsite via 3000kW of north-facing solar panels that feed into a new bank of 12 batteries. First National Real Estate consultant Laureen Wood said that environmental lifestyle properties offering business opportunity on this scale were rare.

“This property is much more than an off-grid private and secluded luxury accommodation experience,” she said.

“Recently a flock of Suffolk Ewe sheep were successfully bred and sold at market reaching a premium price.”

This acreage has a permanent spring-fed creek that provides pure water.

The property holds a commercial water licence, as well as riparian rights to this pristine water.

The tubs are a unique feature designed in the style of a Japanese wooden “ofuro” bath – deep with steep sides. The term means “mind like water” or being relaxed and in the flow of life.

The main residence.

Spot for a cuppa.

The highly insulating properties of the Western red cedar tubs will store the heat for many hours and outdoor bathing in hot water provides a unique contrast between the crisp night air.

About 8ha of cleared land is divided into the four irrigated paddocks and a portable electric solar fence can be used to create an extra three paddocks.

As well as grazing stock, this fertile land could support agricultural enterprises such as blueberries or olives.

Five walking trails have been established, one of which is a wild harvest native pepper berry forest that grows along the creek line and is harvested each February. These berries have featured in the Bruny Island Beer Co’s ales.

A 12m x 18m prize winning vegetable garden was created as part of the Mona Victory Gardens challenge.

The enclosed, netted garden features 5m x 18m long beds and contains 41 different vegetables, herbs and trees with a second established 4m x 8m netted garden and orchard also offering an abundance of fresh produce.

Luxurious comfort.

Saddled with responsibility? Hoof it to the Hundred Acre Hideaway.

This remarkable property includes a double carport, machinery shed, storage studio, utility area, hay shed with two stable/barn shelters and chook pen.

This environmental accommodation development established in 2013 is offered for sale ‘walk-in, walk-out’.

The proven past income stream offers a way of life “like no other”.

And the sale of the property includes a professionally designed website with a booking engine.

No.911 Coolangatta Road, Lunawanna is listed with First National Real Estate Hobart & Kingston and priced at “Offers over $1,100,000”.

The post Time will slow down when visiting this award-winning hot tub retreat appeared first on realestate.com.au.

Kerryn McKay is selling her funky inner city property tucked away behind Malop St. Picture: Glenn Ferguson

Secret inner city properties hidden in Geelong’s commercial heart offer rare residential gems that are finding favour with buyers.

A renovated Victorian-era terrace surrounded by offices and two funky townhouses behind Big W are among recent listings waiting to be discovered in the CBD.

They’re attracting interest from buyers who want shops, restaurants and the waterfront on their doorstep but don’t want to live in an apartment.

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Kerryn McKay is selling her New York-style, two-bedroom townhouse at 10 Hays Place with price hopes of $595,000 to $650,000.

The quirky limestone home, which includes part of an old pub, comes with two bathrooms, a parking space and a north-facing balcony.

10 Hays Place, Geelong.

The townhouse has limestone brickwork.

Ms McKay can see the bay from her balcony.

Ms McKay said mileage on her car had dropped significantly since moving in nine years ago.

“I have really loved living in the city,” she said.

“I’m a member of the Geelong Yacht Club, I sail there, and I just wander down there.

“If I want to go for a drink at a wine bar or get a coffee with a friend I can just walk.”

McGrath, Geelong selling agent Wayne Baker said the townhouse was a “hidden secret”.

“It reminds me of those quirky little terraces that you find in Europe and the way it utilises the space and every nook and cranny is great,” Mr Baker said.

3/7 Hayes Place, Geelong is listed for $680,000 to $710,000.

The interior has been renovated.

Hodges, Geelong West agent Jeff Begg is selling another townhouse just a few doors down at 3/7 Hays Place, Geelong.

The three-storey, three-bedroom residence, listed for $680,000 to $710,000, has been renovated and has a private outdoor entertainment area.

“I think it’s an alternative to apartments for someone that wants to be in the city but doesn’t want to live on level 35,” Mr Begg.

The living room opens onto a balcony.

“The demand for city homes that are not apartments is very strong.”

A renovated Victorian-era terrace for sale at 115 Yarra Street, Geelong is another rare find in a chiefly commercial strip.

115 Yarra Street, Geelong is surrounded by commercial premises.

Vendors Gerry and Maria O’Brien bought the former office building 19 years ago and rebuilt it from the ground up to create an elegant three-bedroom home with two living areas, an outdoor entertainment area and a double garage.

McGrath, Geelong agent Jim Cross has set a price guide of $1.2m-$1.3m.

The kitchen/dining area has courtyard access.

Natural light floods the living room and main bedroom upstairs.

Mr O’Brien said the couple counted itself lucky to live in the heart of Geelong when it headed out every morning for a walk around the Eastern Gardens and waterfront.

And with the surrounding buildings housing offices, there’s no neighbours to worry about at night.

“We have got double glazing so it’s nice and quiet and, of course, there’s no neighbours after 5.30pm,” he said.

The post Hidden gems in Geelong CBD offer alternative to apartment living appeared first on realestate.com.au.

Super suburb – 21 Ward St, Willoughby.

Three upper north shore suburbs have made it onto the top 10 list of Sydney suburbs with the strongest median house price growth in the 12 months to June.

North Willoughby came in equal third with a growth rate of 28 per cent, while Lindfield and Willoughby shared fifth position with growth of 25 per cent.

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The suburbs’s median house prices are now $2,742,500, $2,930,000 and $2,449,500 respectively, according to data from realestate.com.au.

The group’s chief economist Nerida Conisbee, said there was still no shortage of demand for properties at higher price points in Sydney.

“We are in recession, unemployment is rising and we should be in a situation where house prices catastrophically fall,” she said.

“It continues to surprise me how resilient they are.

“Prices have softened a little bit since March in most markets but year on year, Sydney is still leading the pack.

“A lot of this has to do with how hot the market was leading up to March but the surprising resilience from there is also driven by the stable banking sector, the flexibility in which the banks are dealing with people impacted by COVID-19 and of course by the fact that if you are employed, you are likely to be saving a lot because there is pretty much nothing to do even if you aren’t locked down.”

REA Chief economist Nerida Conisbee.

She said the strongest markets continued to be those priced well above the current house price median of $969,500.

“The most expensive suburb on the top growth list is the north shore suburb of Lindfield which is now getting close to a $3 million median,” Ms Conisbee said.

Donna Fischer, of Stone Real Estate Lindfield, said low interest rates, low stock levels and a steady level of demand, particularly from families looking to upsize in Lindfield were keeping the market steady.

“People recognise that good properties in good areas will hold their own,” she said.

45 Grosvenor Rd, Lindfield.

Ms Fischer is currently marketing a three-bedrooom house at 45 Grosvenor Rd, Lindfield, which has a price guide of $2.1 million to $2.3 million, and she said there was strong interest.

John McManus, of McGrath Willoughby, said he was not surprised to see these areas were doing well despite COVID-19 and the current national economic conditions.

“Prices are holding up okay, but stock levels are still really low,” he said. “Last Saturday was the busiest Saturday we’ve had in a long time (for open homes).”

21 Ward St, Willoughby.

Mr McManus is currently marketing 21 Ward St, Willoughby, a classic Californian bungalow that has undergone a quality renovation and has an auction guide of $3.35 million.

Further up the road in North Willoughby, there is only one property on the market in the entire suburb, according to realestate.com.au.

No. 11 Chaleyer St is a two-bedroom full brick semi on a due-north-facing 408sqm block. It is due to go to auction on Saturday with a guide of $1.4 million.

11 Chaleyer St, North Willoughby NSW REAL ESTATE

Roz Reynolds, of Di Jones Northern Suburbs – Beecroft, said there had been strong interest in the property, which has masses of potential.

“There hasn’t been much available in North Willoughby,” she said.

“It’s a popular area, with lovely streets, and it’s so family orientated.”

The auction will be held on-site at 12.45pm.

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23 Holmwood Ave, Anglesea, sold for $2.3 million in January.

SURF Coast, Bellarine Peninsula and Geelong suburbs have dominated the top regional Victorian property hot spots over the past 20 years.

Prices have climbed as much as $900,000 in the nine towns and suburbs among the 20 areas with the highest price growth since 2000.

Realestate.com.au data shows Anglesea was the region’s top performer, rising 541 per cent.

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The price for a typical house in Anglesea rose from $170,000 in 2000 to $1.08 million in June.

Anglesea was ahead of Barwon Heads (up 539 per cent to $971,250) and St Leonards (from $90,000 to $563,750), while inner city Geelong West (from $117,000 to $690,000) was the highest urban suburb.

Portarlington ($110,000 to $609,250) was the fourth coastal hot spot, while Herne Hill ($91,500 to $520,000), Norlane ($62,000 to $350,000), Newcomb ($83,000 to $450,000) and Newtown ($169,000 to $890,000) also made the list.

Great Ocean Properties, Anglesea agent Ian Lawless said the coastal town vibe surrounded by national park ensured a wide range of buyers competed for the lifestyle location.

“We have first-home buyers, upgraders, we have downsizers from Melbourne, we have people that are moving for a lifestyle, we have a whole lot of different demographic of people all looking for the same properties,” Mr Lawless said.

11 Margate St, Barwon Heads, sold for $2.65 million in February.

“There is access to schools, Geelong and Melbourne. You can get to Torquay and there is a supermarket.

“Even for older people, once you move into Aireys (Inlet) there’s no bowling club, no football club, none of those things that are on offer here.”

Bellarine Property, Barwon Heads agent Christian Bartley said the region’s proximity to Geelong and Melbourne made it increasingly popular with buyers moving in full-time.

While Barwon Heads had a surf culture and St Leonards and Portarlington were in winery country, the towns were an hour and 10 minutes from Melbourne.

It meant they were now busy in winter, especially since the ferry from Portarlington to Melbourne was launched.

“As soon as you see townships increase in winter, it’s not too long for prices to grow,” Mr Bartley said. “Barwon Heads is busy every day of the week.”

67 Waratah St, Geelong West, sold for $1.21 million in June.

A rise in professionals working in or commuting from Geelong had driven the growth in inner suburbs, Hodges, Geelong West agent Marcus Falconer said.

“It’s no surprise that Geelong West is at the top, given the choice of schooling and the proximity to the CBD and the water,” Mr Falconer said.

Harcourts, North Geelong agent Joe Grgic said Geelong offered a value proposition enhanced by location, especially for investors seeking bargains.

“A couple of years ago I had some clients come down from Sydney and they just looked at Geelong as if it was a part of Melbourne. We get the best of both worlds. We’ve got lifestyle, we’ve got value, we’ve got so many great things from schools, shopping, waterfront, all these things and yet the value proposition is evident in comparison.”

TOP REGIONAL VICTORIAN HOT SPOTS FOR PAST 20 YEARS

Source: realestate.com.au

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“Ruckers Hill House” by Studio Bright features a “periscope”. Picture: Rory Gardiner

Innovative houses in Melbourne’s inner north — one of which is crowned with a “periscope” — have emerged ahead of hundreds of other Aussie homes to win prestigious architecture awards.

The two remarkable renovations in Northcote and Fitzroy North took out three of the 10 categories at the 2020 Houses Awards.

But the pads were pipped by a restored “ramshackle 1970s-era house” in the Gold Coast suburb of Miami for the top gong of Australian House of the Year.

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“Cantala Avenue House” by ME on the Gold Coast has been named Australian House of the Year. Picture: Christopher Frederick Jones

“Cantala Avenue House” was described as a “contemporary reinterpretation of the traditional beach shack”. Picture: Christopher Frederick Jones

“Cantala Avenue House”, by architecture firm ME, beat 372 entries to take home the nation’s premier residential architecture prize in the 10th year of the awards run by magazine Houses.

A jury comprising esteemed architects and Architecture Media editorial director Katelin Butler lauded the project as a “contemporary reinterpretation of the traditional beach shack” that “calls on us to reflect on what is truly important and what we essentially need to live well”.

The Gold Coast residence also tied with Northcote’s “Ruckers Hill House” to win the best house “alteration and addition under 200sq m” category.

“Ruckers Hill House” was an equal winner in the best house “alteration and addition under 200sq m” category. Picture: Rory Gardiner

Inside “Ruckers Hill House”. Picture: Rory Gardiner

The “Ruckers Hill House” project involved adapting an Edwardian house. Picture: Rory Gardiner

The Northcote project, by architecture firm Studio Bright, involved restoring and enlarging an Edwardian residence, including by adding new living spaces in a separate garden pavilion.

Jurors described it as “an intriguing alteration and addition” to a period home that “sends a periscope first floor up to take the measure of Melbourne’s ever-changing skyline”.

Other design features highlighted by the jury included a floating metal staircase and “theatrical curtains” used to separate rooms.

“Theatrical curtains” used to separate rooms in the Northcote house. Picture: Rory Gardiner

Jurors described the Northcote project as “intriguing”. Picture: Rory Gardiner

Victoria’s other award winner, “Fitzroy North House 02” by Rob Kennon Architects, took out two categories: best new house under 200sq m and best house in a heritage context.

Jurors noted the new house in a “street full of heritage terrace houses” blended in beautifully thanks to its worker’s cottage-style facade.

Behind it lies a two-storey modernist structure made of concrete, glass and steel, that’s “bathed in sunlight” from two courtyards and a “quasi-terrarium”.

“Fitzroy North House 02” by Rob Kennon Architects looks like a period house, but is actually new. Picture: Derek Swalwell

The Fitzroy North property was deemed best new house under 200sq m and best house in a heritage context. Picture: Derek Swalwell

A total of 80 Victorian projects were shortlisted across all the awards’ categories.

A mix of New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australian projects won the remaining categories.

When naming winners, the jurors took into account how the architecture responded to, or helped negate, crises including climate change and COVID-19, how it contributed to its streetscape and suburb, and how it reflected and shaped Australians’ lifestyles.

They also considered whether the projects were “liveable and functional as well as beautiful”, and innovative and “ambitious in design”.

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“Fitzroy North House 02” is filled with natural light. Picture: Derek Swalwell

The house was one of 80 Victorian projects shortlisted across the categories. Picture: Derek Swalwell

samantha.landy@news.com.au

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