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Olympic equestrian Brian Schrapel and his wife Diann have sold their Tallarook farm once graced by members of the royal family.

The 26.3ha Djawarrah Park, at 50 Boongarry Rd, changed hands for $850,000 after a lengthy 300-day campaign.

Schrapel competed at the 1972 Munich Games and became the first Australian to judge Olympic equestrian events in Sydney in 2000, all while living at the three-bedroom property.

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The 26.3ha farm is called Djawarrah Park

Brian Schrapel in 2000.

The couple built the humble house that went on to host Princess Anne and ex-husband Captain Mark Phillips in the early 1980s.

Schrapel trained horses for Captain Phillips, as well as British equestrian world champion Lucinda Green, nee Prior-Palmer, and 1976 Olympic gold medallist Edmund ‘Tad’ Coffin of the US.

He previously told Property Insiders he had been “lucky to mix with the high-end of the sport as a competitor and trainer”.

Princess Anne and Capt. Mark Phillips at their wedding in 1973. Picture: Mega

The humble house is on a large farm.

A traditional country kitchen.

He added that he and Diann had been “blessed” to live “off the beaten track (in) idyllic” surrounds for four decades.

They planned to move to Toowoomba in Queensland, where their jockey son Michael lived with his partner and daughter.

Ray White Seymour agent Michael O’Sullivan said the property sold to two veterinarians who appreciated the property’s equestrian facilities including a stable complex, round yard and an all-weather horse riding ménage.

There’s plenty of room for horses on the property.

The country property was built by the vendors 40 years ago.

A huge horse stable attracted the buyers.

He said the sale concluded after the property’s price guide had been changed multiple times.

“We took the property to auction last October and it has been for private sale ever since,” Mr O’Sullivan said.

An original price guide of $680,000-$740,000 was revised up to $900,000 before it sold for $850,000.

The agent said the Schrapels planned to move up to Queensland once the state borders reopened.

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Collingwood forward Jordan De Goey has snapped up an Aspendale apartment off the plan. Picture: Michael Klein

Collingwood livewire Jordan De Goey has bought an off-the-plan “weekend getaway” in a beachside Aspendale apartment complex.

The forward snared a two-bedroom unit in the 1-5 Taylor Avenue project being developed by his mate, Dennis Spanos, who also owns Greek patisserie and restaurant Vanilla Lounge in Oakleigh.

Mr Spanos told the Sunday Herald Sun De Goey’s new apartment would feature a courtyard, and be just a drop kick from his “favourite beach”.

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The Aspendale development will feature 25 units.

“The beach is so close, maybe after he has a big game, (he can go there) for a nice recovery on the weekend,” Mr Spanos said.

“It’ll be a weekend getaway where he can relax and switch off.”

De Goey has long been connected to Melbourne’s southeast, playing junior footy with the Ashburton United Junior Football Club and then in the TAC Cup with the Oakleigh Chargers, before being selected by the Pies with pick five in the 2014 draft.

The 24-year-old has been sidelined from footy with a finger injury, and is also facing an indecent assault charge.

Mr Spanos said construction had just begun on the two-storey development, which would feature 25 units and a retail space when it was completed between September to November next year.

The light-filled interior of one of the apartments.

The apartments are available in one-, two- and three-bedoom configurations.

Nine of the apartments remain for sale. They include a single one-bedroom unit with a $599,000 asking price, a single three-bedroom pad priced at $1.05m and a handful of two-bedroom configurations for $705,000-$800,000.

Mr Spanos said each apartment would have open-plan layouts, underground parking and storage, and either a courtyard or balcony.

They would also be fitted with quality materials including oak flooring, wool carpet, Miele appliances and double-glazed windows, under the guidance of high-end builders Vujic Property Group.

“(De Goey) loved all the finishes — the builder was a big drawcard for him,” Mr Spanos said.

The kitchens will feature Miele appliances.

A sleek bathroom.

Buxton Bentleigh selling agent John Rombotis — a former AFL player who lined up for Fitzroy, Port Adelaide and Richmond in the ’90s — said the apartments were being constructed by “one of the best builders going around”.

The development also benefited from its closeness to Aspendale Beach, he said, noting many of the purchasers so far had been holiday home buyers.

“Going to Aspendale Beach is like going to the Gold Coast — it’s one of the cleanest beaches in Melbourne,” Mr Rombotis said.

“Instead of driving down to Mount Martha, (the buyers) are choosing this.”

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samantha.landy@news.com.au

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Lessons learned in Melbourne’s first lockdown and a severe stock shortage will help the property market stay afloat during the pandemic’s second wave, experts say.

But the industry remains fragile, despite the extensions to government welfare payments and mortgage holidays from the banks.

Philip Webb director Phillip Webb said there was “no shortage of buyers” competing for the few available properties on the market.

“I’ve never seen it so severe in terms of the lack of stock out there for genuine buyers,” he said.

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Development projects in Craigieburn. Picture: Nearmap

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg during a press conference in the main committee room at Parliament House on July 23. Picture: Sam Mooy/Getty Images

There were just over 2500 new listings on the market last week in Melbourne, according to realestate.com.au data.

That figure is almost 1000 below the 3477 new listings in the second week of March, as the pandemic was first impacting the city.

This lack of stock has insulated Melbourne from dramatic price drops, despite a 2.3 per cent fall in home values from April to June, according to CoreLogic.

Contributing to the stock scarcity was the fact the auction market had been gutted by being forced online. CoreLogic reported 42 per cent of auctions were withdrawn last week — well above the five-year historic average, recorded pre-COVID-19, of just 3 per cent.

Many agencies giving online auctions a chance are reporting success stories — including Love and Co Thornbury agent George Theocharis, who sold 3/2 Josephine Grove, Preston, for $540,500 using the virtual format.

No. 3/2 Josephine Grove, Preston sold for $540,500.

Inside the Preston unit.

The two-bedroom unit had a price guide of $470,000-$510,000.

“The difference this time is people are feeling a lot more comfortable with it, because they at least know what to expect,” Mr Theocharis said.

“The biggest uncertainty was job loss, first and foremost. Now you’ve probably accepted that you’re working from home, there is a sense of security.”

Low stock has prevented Melbourne from drastic price drops.

Mr Webb labelled the JobKeeper payment’s continuation until late March, albeit at a reduced rate, a “very solid sign” for continued market stability.

The fortnightly payment falls from $1500 to $1200 at the end of September, before dropping again to $1000 at the start of January.

“I don’t believe we’ll be falling off a cliff at the end of September, October or January,” Mr Webb said.

Industry Insider director Andrew Date agreed the JobKeeper payments, accompanied by mortgage repayment extensions, meant September no longer loomed as a make-or-break month for the industry.

“The cord’s not going to be pulled in September, like a lot of people thought was going to be the case,” he said.

But Mr Date said an emergence of distressed sales from divorces and loan defaults remained a threat to property prices.

“It only takes one or two to really hurt an area,” Mr Date said.

“We know this whole pandemic has produced a lot of mental health issues for the community. It’s going to test a lot of relationships, it’s going to test mental strength as well.”

Harcourts Box Hill agent Dennis Shi said while investors and developers had dropped off, homebuyers were continuing to front up.

“We’re still an essential business — people can still come to our opens and inspections but they have to book with us first, that’s all,” he said.

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The post Coronavirus: How Melbourne market survives second lockdown appeared first on realestate.com.au.

Making a tree change won’t cost a fortune for buyers prepared to look off the beaten track in regional Victoria.

Dirt-cheap properties with plenty of character are on the market for as little as $65,000 in towns like Rainbow, St Arnaud and Dookie.

Country agents say they’re attracting attention, as more Melbourne residents plan their escape from the city after the pandemic.

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8 Eddy St, Rainbow has a $65,000 price tag.

1526 Hopetoun-Rainbow Road, Hopetoun has been reduced to $229,000.

North West Real Estate director John Hadley said inquiries had surged from buyers who “had never even heard of the towns” where they wanted to move.

“Most people don’t know where these towns are and they’ve had no connection before, but they’re just buying based on value for money,” Mr Hadley said.

“Most of them are trying to make a permanent move and get away from Melbourne.”

Melbourne buyers are inquiring into little-known Victorian towns. Picture: Paul Jeffers

He said most houses cost less than $100,000 in towns like Warracknabeal, Donald and Watchem.

Three properties in Rainbow recently sold to buyers more than 100km away, he added.

“Rainbow is about four hours from the West Gate Bridge and it’s a small town of about 600 people in northwest Victoria,” he said.

“I still don’t think I got through to one interested buyer that it’s not just west of Melton.”

2 Burke St, St Arnaud has plenty of character.

Ready to live in, it’s just $290,000.

There are about five other properties for sale in the tiny town, all advertised for less than $100,000.

St Arnaud is another offbeat spot offering a huge Federation home at 2 Burke St for just $290,000.

A recently-renovated property at 43 Halls Rd, Goorambat, just 10 minutes from Benalla, is for sale for $225,000.

43 Halls Road, Goorambat is for sale.

The house has recently been renovated.

10 Queen St, Dookie is also for sale.

An unrenovated gem in nearby Dookie could cost a bargain hunter just $140,000-$160,000.

Prospective buyers can also strike gold in some of Victoria’s most famous regional towns, if they’re willing to get creative.

Just outside Warburton, a fully-furnished tiny house on a huge creekside block is up for grabs with a $300,000-$330,000 price guide.

A tiny house for sale at 8 Prospect Ave, Warburton.

Huge gardens are also part of the package.

Vendor Julie Wilson used the pint-sized home as an Airbnb, which was fully booked prior to coronavirus.

She’s now selling the block at 8 Prospect Ave along with her own larger home at No. 10, which has a $580,000-$620,000 price guide.

Professionals Yarra Junction director Ashleigh Hall said some interested buyers would consider buying both blocks together, while others would snap up the tiny home as an off-grid holiday opportunity.

10 Prospect Ave, Warburton is also for sale.

The perfect out-of-town escape.

“The tiny house hasn’t got a permit as a dwelling, so it’s only good to stay in temporarily,” Mr Hall said.

“But you’re buying your own little city escape in a beautiful spot right near La La Falls.”

The street does not have sewerage, but the tiny house can be connected to the main power and water lines at a buyer’s request.

Chickens living at the block can also remain at the property, which is for private sale.

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The post Country Victorian homes for sale in Rainbow, Dookie, St Arnaud appeared first on realestate.com.au.

The Mannum church at 32 William Street has been transformed into a modern home. Pic: realestate.com.au

Walk past this historic building in the heart of Mannum and you will probably assume it’s just an old church.

Have faith that there is much more to it inside than meets the eye though.

The former Mannum Baptist Church at 32 William St, which was built in circa 1893, has been transformed into a contemporary two-bedroom home.

After about 18 months of renovating, the owners have decided to sell it.

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It’s light, bright and airy inside. Pic: realestate.com.au

The owners spent about 18 months renovating it. Pic: realestate.com.au

Selling agent Michael Nance, of Statewide Property Network, said it was used as a church until 2018 when the current owners purchased it.

“The current owners bought it with the intention of renovating it into a residence,” he said.

“You probably wouldn’t guess (from the outside) that someone actually lives there.”

Mr Nance said the owners have retained the building’s structural integrity and character but repurposed its interior, giving it a much more modern style.

An open kitchen, dining and living area forms the hub of the home, which opens onto a separate lounge room and balcony overlooking the River Murray.

It has panoramic views of the River Murray. Pic: realestate.com.au

The views stretch as far as the eye can see. Pic: realestate.com.au

A mezzanine offers two bedrooms that share two walk-in wardrobe spaces and an ensuite.

The main bathroom and laundry are on the ground floor.

On a 1097sqm block, the property also has two sheds and a double carport.

Mr Nance said the way the owners’ had blended modern style with historic design made it stand out.

“I’ve been doing real estate for 30 years and it’s probably the first church that I’ve sold that’s been done up like that,” he said.

The owners are selling the property so they can renovate a beach shack on Victoria’s coast.

The property is listed with a $560,000 to $580,000 price guide.

The post Historic Mannum church that has been transformed into a modern home hits the market appeared first on realestate.com.au.

A SYDNEY investor has beaten competition from first-time buyers to secure what was the Gold Coast’s most affordable house.

A four-bedroom, two-bathroom freestanding house at Arundel listed for ‘offers over $399,000’ has created a frenzy of interest among first-time buyers and investors.

A freestanding house at 10 Melastoma Way, Arundel was listed for offers over $399,000.

The house at 10 Melastoma Way featured in the top 10 most-viewed residential properties in Queensland last week and is the only house on the Gold Coast in the sub-$400,000 bracket.

“We’ve had heaps of inquiry,” said McGrath agent Jake Albertson.

“The line up at (last) Saturday’s open home ran well out the door. We had 25 groups go through.”

Three written offers were made this week, with a Sydney investor beating two first time buyers to sign a contract on Thursday for an undisclosed figure over the asking price.

The property is rented to a secure tenant at $530 a week.

First time buyers were up against investors to secure the Arundel house.

With houses at Arundel fetching a median of $655,000, Mr Albertson said the price, location and a back yard were major selling points for the property.

But there was one catch – the house on 343 sqm is located within an estate with body corporate fees of $67 a week.

“The estate provides access to the resort pool, spa, a large barbecue area, kids playground, gym and function room which are all maintained for you,” Mr Albertson said.

The outdoor area was appealing for the price.

First-time buyers have been active during the pandemic period, with record low interest rates, government incentives and low competition from investors working in their favour.

June property data reveals houses at Pimpama are the most budget-friendly with a median sale price of $470,000.

Houses at Nerang sell for a median $477,250 while Upper Coomera also comes in under $500,000 with a median sale price of $495,000.

Those looking to snare a home for under $530,000 should consider Ormeau, Coomera, Ormeau Hills, Coombabah and Oxenford, while houses at Highland Park, Jacobs Well and Merrimac sell for around $555,000.

Top 10 entry level suburbs*

Pimpama $470,000

Nerang $477,250

Upper Coomera $495,000

Ormeau $507,500

Coomera $512,500

Ormeau Hills $515,000

Coombabah $525,000

Oxenford $530,000

Highland Park $555,000

Jacobs Well $556,000

* Based on median house sale prices in suburbs with more than 25 sales in 12 months.

The post Investor snaps up Gold Coast’s most affordable house appeared first on realestate.com.au.

123B Bald Hill Rd, Bull Creek. Supplied by Harris Real Estate.

This Bull Creek home offers a fantastic Hills lifestyle just 45 minutes from the city, vendor Jason Kilic says. Mr Kilic bought the property in 2011 half finished, and has since turned it into a stunning weekender for his extended family.

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“We spent a lot of time and money on it and it’s a beautiful house,” Mr Kilic says.

“We wanted a bit of a hobby farm, where we could put some cattle on there and enjoy the surroundings of Bull Creek.

123b Bald Hills Rd Bull Creek. Supplied by Harris Real Estate

We’ve got 360-degree views and it’s incredible – you can see the rolling hills of Bull Creek and, in the distance, looking south, you can see Lake Alexandrina. It’s very nice. We built it for ourselves so we didn’t skimp. There are four bedrooms, four bathrooms and a couple of lounge areas. So, for our family – where it’s us, our parents and my sister’s family – there was plenty of room.”

123b Bald Hills Rd Bull Creek. Supplied by Harris Real Estate

The home offers large living spaces and has a number of indoor and outdoor entertainment spaces, as well as a number of sheds.

“Entertaining is great because there’s plenty of space,” Mr Kilic says. “It’s a really manageable farm and being close to Meadows, Macclesfield and Echunga, there are lots of nearby services. We’ve loved it.”

123b Bald Hills Rd Bull Creek. Supplied by Harris Real Estate

With the families moving on to the next chapters of their lives, it’s time for someone else to enjoy the property.

“I’ve always thought it would be perfect for someone who wants to have the farm lifestyle but still hold a job in Adelaide,” Mr Kilic says.

123b Bald Hills Rd Bull Creek. Supplied by Harris Real Estate

“It’d be perfect for a couple with older children. It’s just a great part of the world. I’m sure a lot of people would be happy there. You could even work from home there quite happily.”

123b Bald Hills Rd Bull Creek. Supplied by Harris Real Estate

123b Bald Hill Rd, Bull Creek

Contact agent for price

Agent: Harris Real Estate, Arabella Hooper 0403 336 407.

Land size: 34.89ha.

Offers: Close Wednesday, August 12 at noon.

The post Fly like an eagle in this hilltop stunner appeared first on realestate.com.au.

This house at 38 Cramond Street, Wilston sold at auction for $1.03 million.

LUCY Martin and Mawson Croaker returned to Australia from Chile on separate international flights and had planned to be together in Melbourne when their former Brisbane home went to auction on Saturday.

Instead, Ms Martin was in lockdown in Melbourne with their son Finn, 7, while Mr Croaker, who returned a few weeks later, was diverted to Sydney after Melbourne closed its airport to international arrivals. He heard about the auction result while in mandatory hotel quarantine.

“Either way, we’re handling this so much better than Chile is,” Ms Martin said.

“You have to get a permit from the police to leave your house over there.”

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Umbrellas or raincoats were a prerequisite to leaving home in Brisbane on Saturday and that did not stop 30 people attending the auction of 38 Cramond Street, Wilston.

It was a wet auction day in Brisbane on Saturday.

The four registered bidders included Libby and Jeremy Davis from New Farm who came with their 18-month old daughter, resuming their property search this month after taking a break during Queensland’s COVID-19 lockdown.

“There’s not many going on to market at the moment,” Mrs Davis said.

“We went to another property not long ago but it was under the new Brisbane runway flight path so it was too noisy. We only looked at this one last weekend.”

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Noel Gibson and Denise Pickering were looking for a home closer to the city that could accommodate older children and loved the separate downstairs living space.

“We’ll probably retire to the Sunshine Coast but at the moment, the city is where we want to be for the next 15 years or so,” Mr Gibson said.

Ray White auctioneer Phil Parker accepted an opening bid of $800,000 from a phone bidder in Stafford and bids continued in $25,000 lots until $950,000 with Mr Gibson and Ms Pickering in front.

Ray White auctioneer Phil Parker at 38 Cramond Street, Wilston

“Tell a joke or something,” Ray White Wilston principal Alistair Mcmillan said as he and lead agent Jessie Hall left to negotiate with parties privately.

“The Brisbane Broncos,” Mr Parker replied, taking the edge off auction nerves. “At least they’re consistent.”

“It’s pretty nerve-racking,” Ms Pickering said. “We first saw this house about five weeks ago. Going to auction means there’s just so much time to think about it. The advice we got was don’t bid first and if it doesn’t happen, it was not meant to be.”

Denise Pickering of Ferny Hills and Noel Gibson of Kedron.

But after 12 months looking for their first home together, Ms Pickering and Mr Gibson agreed to increase their bid to $1.03 million. The four-bedroom house with an inground pool on a 405sq m corner block was announced on the market and sold unchallenged for that price. It last sold in 2011 for $715,000.

The crowd congratulates the new owners of 38 Cramond Street, Wilston.

“We’ve done a lot of renovations since we bought it in 2011,” Ms Martin said.

“We put the pool in, renovated the bathroom and ensuite, put in built-in wardrobes, plantation shutters, did the concrete driveway and put bi-fold doors along the deck.

Bi-fold doors open out to the deck.

The main upstairs living areas.

“We wanted a bit more but considering what’s happening at the moment, we are happy with the result.”

The upstairs bathroom.

The family moved to Chile in South America two years ago before being transferred to Melbourne this year.

Ms Martin said she was looking forward to her family being reunited after her husband is released from quarantine on Wednesday.

“But I think he’s thinking of coming up to Brisbane to see his friends for a few days before he comes to Melbourne and into lockdown with us.”

The sale of their Brisbane house makes Cramond Street at Wilston the busiest street for home sales in the inner-north suburb. Three houses have sold on the street this year.

Ray White Wilston agent Jessie Hall said she had 40 active buyers looking for homes in this area with budgets ranging from $500,000-$1.5 million.

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The post Dad in quarantine, mum in lockdown: Brisbane’s three-state auction drama appeared first on realestate.com.au.

Jetti Correia and Kayla Pace bought a duplex in Revesby Heights because they liked the family-friendly vibe. Picture: Tim Hunter.

Families who want large, affordable houses in areas with good schools should buy in a band of suburbs in Sydney’s south and outer southwest, a new study has found.

Suburbs ranked as offering the best lifestyle for families were Revesby Heights, Padstow Heights, Milperra and Georges Hall.

Other top areas for families included Wakeley, Bossley Park and St Johns Park, along with Engadine in the Sutherland Shire and Greystanes, near Parramatta.

The closest suburb to the CBD included in the ranking was Turrella, about 10km south of the city.

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These suburbs offered a mix of affordability, low density, proximity to amenities and safety, the Finder.com.au best suburbs report revealed.

Prices in each of the suburbs were below $1 million, crime rates were among the lowest in the Greater Sydney area and each area was within 30km of the CBD.

Many of the homes in Revesby Heights and Padstow Heights look over water and bushland.

Other factors used to determine the best family suburbs were the proportion of other families living there, the size of the local population and mortgage stress levels.

The proportion of renters to homeowners was also considered, with homeowners tending to take better care of their properties than renters, resulting in better streetscapes.

Finder insights manager Graham Cooke said suburbs in Sydney’s south and southwest could become more appealing given growing work-from-home arrangements.

“Lockdown proved to many businesses that remote working is a possibility,” Mr Cooke said.

“(Locations) that are near but not in the heart of the CBD offer young Aussies a more relaxed way of life — perfect for those looking to raise a family.”

Greystanes is a medium density area surrounded by much higher-density suburbs.

One of the most often overlooked suburbs ideal for families was Turrella, according to Mr Cooke. The suburb has a median house price of $980,000 and is the cheapest suburb within a 10km radius of the CBD — although it is less than 5km from Sydney Airport.

“Turrella is an inner Sydney hidden gem,” Mr Cooke said. “It’s a quiet and family-friendly suburb that’s only minutes away from the hustle and bustle.”

Sutherland Shire enclave Engadine offered families extra space without needing to leave the Greater Sydney area, he added.

“It’s perfect for those wanting to make a treechange without compromising on facilities,” Mr Cooke said. “The big bush blocks and proximity to some of Sydney’s best beaches makes it a no-brainer move for some Aussie families.”

LJ Hooker-Padstow principal Lush Pillay said larger houses on generous blocks were the appeal for buyers who came to the Revesby-Padstow Heights area.

“We get a lot of interest from families,” he said. “The area is very family-orientated. There are good schools, good train connections and you get a bit more value out here. There isn’t much high rise.”

Kayla Pace and Jetti Correia recently bought a duplex in Revesby Heights and said it would be a good place to raise a family.

“It’s close to everything but there’s an isolated feel we liked,” Ms Pace said. “It was great value for the price. We got more rooms and a double garage … we didn’t get as much in others suburbs we looked in.”

Jetti Correia and Kayla Pace said they got more space in Revesby Heights.

Greystanes native and director of Starr Partners real estate agency Daniel Starr said the suburb was a “little oasis” in a region dominated by high-rise apartments.

“Most properties are houses and the smallest blocks are still 550 sqm,” Mr Starr said, adding people he grew up with were returning to the suburb after they had children “to get space”.

BEST SUBURBS FOR FAMILIES (with median house price)

Georges Hall $890,000

St Johns Park $795,000

Padstow Heights $925,000

Wakeley $739,000

Greystanes $839,000

Bossley Park $835,000

Milperra $880,000

Engadine $995,000

Turrella $980,000

Revesby Heights $917,500

The post Best suburbs to buy a home: research reveals the areas families should consider appeared first on realestate.com.au.

Sydney is a paradise for renters such as James Rogers. Picture: Richard Dobson.

Struggling landlords are offering to pay tenants’ utility bills, Netflix subscriptions and even waive up to a month’s rent as a record jump in vacancies turns Sydney into a renter’s paradise.

With an unprecedented 27,000 rental properties sitting empty across the city, landlords are offering the huge perks in the hope of filling their properties quickly and staving off a long and costly vacancy period.

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Landlords are dishing out particularly enticing deals in Sydney’s inner suburbs and areas once popular with international students, which have been the worst affected by COVID-19 restrictions and rising unemployment.

No. 1306/281 Elizabeth St in the CBD is advertised with four weeks free rent.

A two-bedroom CBD apartment on Elizabeth St is being offered with four weeks free rent, while the landlord of a Kent St unit is promising a $100 per week discount for the first three months.

Other landlord offers include free internet and premium Netflix with a Castle Hill unit on Bracken Fell Cl, along with plenty of other units offered with utility bills and other expenses covered.

Ray White Erskineville head of property management Melinda Fiori said tenants had all the power.

A unit at 18/515 Kent St in Sydney is being offered with a $100 per week discount for the first three months.

Free internet and a premium Netflix subscription comes with 2/1 Bracken Fell Cl, Castle Hill.

“It is such a great time to be stitching a good deal together,” she said. “There has never been a stronger tenant market that I’ve seen before and this has seen us throw the playbook out the window.”

Property managers and landlords were considering offers they would have ignored in the past, Ms Fiori added.

“We are now working with people who are offering as much as $100 less than the advertised weekly price to try to get a deal over the line.”

Realestate.com.au chief economist Nerida Conisbee said the economic fallout from COVID-19 meant landlords had to be flexible.

No. 107/121 Quay St, Haymarket has all utility bills included.

Four weeks free rent is available with 3101/3 Olympic Blvd in Sydney Olympic Park.

“Landlords have to be savvy … anything they can do to separate themselves from the pack can’t hurt,” she said. “It is better to get a tenant to sign at a reduced rate than to not have one at all.”

Ms Conisbee said the rental market was in a holding pattern that would remain until the economy started to recover.

“Apartments near universities will not see any recovery until international students can enter Australia, which is a huge unknown at the moment,” she said.

Potts Point renter James Rogers welcomed the landlord incentives, but said perks that put more money in his back pocket were more attractive.

Rent has fallen by 2.1 per cent since March, a CoreLogic/ANZ report reveals.

James Rogers is hoping to negotiate a good price when he looks for an apartment with his girlfriend at Bondi Beach. Picture: Richard Dobson.

“If landlords are offering to cover my bills or offer a discounted rate for the entire lease, that will certainly make the property far more appealing to me, than two weeks rent free,” he said.

The trend follows an ANZ/CoreLogic housing affordability report revealing a 2.1 per cent reduction in rental values for units and 0.7 per cent decline for houses in Sydney.

The inner city has been hardest hit with the CBD recording a 6.9 per cent decline in values, while Millers Point dropped 6.8 per cent.

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