Blog

Fringe suburbs Clyde and Wollert have joined trendy Prahran among Melbourne’s hottest markets for houses.

Buyer demand for houses has almost doubled in these pockets over the past year, according to realestate.com.au.

Also rising rapidly up the ranks of househunters’ wishlists were West Footscray, Brayside, Heatherton, Monbulk, Aberfeldie, Kingsville, and “diamond in the rough” Frankston North.

RELATED: Melbourne spring property market awaiting eased restrictions to bloom

Ballarat, outer Melbourne suburbs facing most forced home sales

Melbourne lockdown auctions: Silent start to spring selling season

62 Hartleigh Street, Clyde is for sale.

46 Pitt Street, West Footscray was snapped up quickly in August.

Realestate.com.au chief economist Nerida Conisbee said government housing grants were boosting demand for greater Melbourne’s affordable pockets.

“More broadly, we’re seeing very strong interest in house and land packages off the back of first-home buyer activity and HomeBuilder,” Ms Conisbee said.

She added “a lot of buyers” were also eyeing “relatively cheap” West Footscray closer to the city.

Realestate.com.au chief economist Nerida Conisbee.

Realestate.com.au calculates demand based on “serious buyer activity” on the site, including the number of visits to a listing, looking at photos on a listing multiple times, saving and sharing the property, and inquiring with the agent.

Lendlease head of development Tom Trevaskis said inquiry for Wollert’s Aurora development had increased 135 per cent in the past year, with a noticeable spike after the federal government announced the $25,000 HomeBuilder grant.

“People are looking for quality places with open space, community and education facilities, which have all been designed as part of a masterplan,” Mr Trevaskis said.

“That’s been the case through areas like Clyde, Wollert and established communities near Melton and Werribee.”

Treetops Park at Wollert’s Aurora development. Picture: Lendlease

A flurry of development has built up Wollert. Picture: Nearmap

Other suburbs were attracting attention by shaking off shady reputations from times gone by.

This was the case for Frankston North, which Ray White Frankston agent Trent Harrison called “substantially undervalued” compared to neighbouring areas.

“People have realised it’s a diamond in the rough, because everywhere else around it had a surge in value in 2017,” Mr Harrison said.

“First-home buyers are now buying properties and renovating them, which is really improving the perception of the area.”

3 Huon Court, Frankston North sold in August.

Frankston North has been called a “diamond in the rough”.

The agent said he had received “overwhelming” interest for Sarah Opie and Cassie Torcasio’s Frankston North family home, in the form of 59 inquiries and seven offers, before selling it in August for $490,000.

Ms Opie said she was impressed with the result for her renovated four-bedroom home, which she bought for an “extremely reasonable price” in 2013.

“The only issue with the suburb is a stigma still attached, but it’s not as warranted as it previously was,” Ms Opie said.

“It’s never going to be as popular as Frankston South or Seaford, but we still happily raised a family here and have seen massive changes over time.”

Sarah Opie and Cassie Torcasio and their son Archer outside their Frankston North house. Picture: Tony Gough

The family raised their son at the house.

There are big blocks available in the suburb.

Units in Caroline Spring, Deer Park and Lalor also experienced major upticks in demand.

Buyer’s advocate Cate Bakos said while first-home buyers were still desperate to break into on-trend suburbs like Brunswick, Northcote and Thornbury, many were noticing “lower-price-point areas”.

“First-home buyers love to buy with the stamp duty concession, and some have access to the deposit saver scheme too. But they are only fully active up to $600,000,” Ms Bakos said.

“When you look at value for money, you can buy a three-bedroom unit or townhouse in Caroline Springs or Lalor for about $550,000 to $600,000 and still be in an established area near transport and shops.”

Demand has spiked for units in Deer Park.

Blue-chip suburbs like South Yarra, Hawthorn, Northcote and St Kilda remained Melbourne’s most popular suburbs among buyers overall, but did not have the same annual surge.

READ MORE: Melbourne lockdown to drive exodus to regional Victoria, interstate

Better air filtration needed for offices to help prevent illness

COVID-19: Treasurer Tim Pallas hints at real estate lifeline

HOUSES
(Suburb, jump in year-on-year demand to August 2020)

1. Clyde 99.5%

2. Wollert 98.0%

3. Prahran 97.1%

4. West Footscray 69.5%

5. Braybrook 69.2%

6. Heatherton 68.8%

7. Monbulk 68.1%

8. Aberfeldie 67.8%

9. Kingsville 65.6%

10. Frankston North 65.3%

UNITS
(Suburb, jump in year-on-year demand to August 2020)

1. Caroline Springs 136.5%

2. Chadstone 95.0%

3. Deer Park 94.8%

4. Bulleen 94.4%

5. Lilydale 84.3%

6. Oakleigh 82.6%

7. Macleod 76.2%

8. Endeavour Hills 72.7%

9. Lalor 71.8%

10. Ormond 71.0%

Source: realestate.com.au

The post Clyde, Wollert among suburbs with surging demand appeared first on realestate.com.au.

Catherine Gregory who moved into her home in New Town — Hobart’s best ‘burb for demand growth — a week ago. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

FIRST homebuyer Catherine Gregory was undeterred by busy open homes when buying her New Town property.

She says while the inspection was a case of “love at first sight”, she kept her calm, sought advice, made lists of questions for the agent and returned to the house multiple times to ensure all of her boxes were ticked.

“I moved in one week ago after 12 years living in share houses,” she said.

“I wanted a house rather than a unit because a house feels more “yours” to me.

Catherine Gregory who moved into her first home last week. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

“The price feels great compared to what my siblings would be looking at in London and Sydney, and my home is also large enough that I could rent out a room or two to help with the bills.”

Ms Gregory, 31, moved to Tassie this year after stints overseas and in Melbourne and Canberra.

When house hunting, she started out looking in Hobart city but found homes of a similar price were smaller, or a “renovators delight” compared to the house she bought just minutes up the road in New Town.

Ms Gregory’s city fringe home with heaps of yard space.

“I wanted space, some greenery and a place to grow vegetables,” she said.

“New Town is so close to restaurants, cafes, the supermarket — it is convenient.

“Another part of the draw to Tasmania was IMAS and the chance to study — which I was missing — plus nature, trekking, surfing, diving; everything is at your fingertips here.”

The post First homebuyer gets foot in door of desired suburb appeared first on realestate.com.au.

New Town is, increasingly, where home buyers want to be. Picture: EDDIE SAFARIK

BUDDING sellers in New Town have the best prospects of securing a big sale price when heading to the market this spring, says fresh data from realestate.com.au.

In its Spring Report Card, released today, the property website has revealed that city fringe New Town has seen a huge uptick in demand on the site.

Compared year-on-year, demand in this city fringe suburb has grown by over 50 per cent.

New Town’s increasing popularity comes as little surprise to Petrusma Property director Daniel ten Broeke.

He said while New Town had always been a popular area, the sharp increase in demand over the last 12 months was likely a case of buyers realising that the suburb offers just as much, if not more amenity, than suburbs that are only marginally closer to the CBD, such as North Hobart, West Hobart or Glebe.

These suburbs are typically a little more expensive than New Town, he said.

“It is also no coincidence that Hobart City Council have invested substantially in New Town over the last 12 to 18 months including a modern refurbishment and upgrade of New Town Road, which has certainly raised the profile and appeal of the area.”

New Town property owners sitting pretty in spring.

Buyer interest increased here more than any other suburb.

Mr ten Broeke said there was “absolutely no doubt” that homeowners in areas that ranked high on REA’s demand charts were in a fortunate position if springtime selling was being considered.

“Prices in these areas and some others in Hobart are still “at peak”,” he said.

“Having some confidence in the market amid so much uncertainty — domestically and overseas — is very pleasing.”

Chief economist at realestate.com.au, Nerida Conisbee, said demand was often a good indicator of price growth.

She said suburbs with big family homes on large blocks were faring well, but the best performers continue to be premium suburbs.

“We are seeing a flight to quality on realestate.com.au with premium markets holding up best due to high levels of buyer demand,” Ms Conisbee said.

“This recession is not a typical one because money has not dried up.”

Chief economist at realestate.com.au Nerida Conisbee.

Petrusma Property director Daniel ten Broeke.

Mr ten Broeke said New Town’s popularity stems from the broad range of property types and its lifestyle benefits.

He said it has proximity to the CBD, great schools, shops and services, alongside magnificent historic homes and new townhouses.

“The area appeals to first home buyers, families and retirees to investors and executives — every target market,” he said.

REA’s data showed a 52.3 per cent change in demand levels year-on-year in New Town houses followed by Risdon Vale 41.5 per cent, Kingston 30.8 per cent, Rosetta 27.4 per cent and Midway Point 26 per cent.

The most in demand house suburb list reads like a who’s who of popular Hobart suburbs: Sandy Bay, South Hobart, Taroona, Lindisfarne and West Hobart.

The fastest selling suburbs were Rosetta (houses) at 23.5 days on market and Sandy Bay (units) at 17 days.

BIGGEST YEAR-ON-YEAR GROWTH

Houses

1 New Town 52.3%

2 Risdon Vale 41.5%

3 Kingston 30.8%

4 Rosetta 27.4%

5 Midway Point 26%

6 Brighton 23.5%

7 Mount Nelson 23.1%

8 Dodges Ferry 22.4%

9 Montrose 22.3%

10 Sandy Bay 22.2%

Units

1 Kingston 31.7%

2 Claremont 24%

3 Howrah 22.4%

4 Bellerive 11.2%

5 N/A did not meet minimum requirements

Source: realestate.com.au 12 months to August 31

The post Property hunters are making a beeline for these areas appeared first on realestate.com.au.

97A Moore Rd, Kewarra Beach is a Master Builders award-winning home built by Phil Kelly Homes.

THERE won’t be too many opportunities to purchase a property like this Kewarra Beach house – a Master Builders award-winning home.

With just 37 projects recognised at the Far North Queensland Master Builders housing and construction awards, 97A Moore Rd, Kewarra Beach provides a rare chance to own an award-winning home.

The four-bedroom house, designed and built by Phil Kelly Builders, won in the best display home over $551,000 and best residential kitchen categories.

Sitting on a large, family friendly 1000sq m block, Thomas Baldwin Real Estate’s Morganne Baldwin said it was a house that promoted innovation, daily life practicality and cutting-edge design.

97A Moore Rd, Kewarra Beach is a Master Builders award-winning home built by Phil Kelly Homes and designed to promote innovation, daily life practicality and cutting-edge design.

MORE NEWS

Manunda home untouched since ’40s

Lake Tinaroo home share scheme

“This new home has been built to combine living and style effortlessly,” she said.

“The house is greeted by ample natural light and features an immediate outlook to the back yard, swimming pool, architectural style, including a perfected combination of tones, materials and textures.

“The front door boasts the most current automation pin code and key tag access.”

The northern beaches home features an open-plan living area, which is highlighted with neutral polished concrete flooring, cast-in concrete walls and exposed industrial style beams.

There are high cathedral style ceilings, a combination of fixed glass and louvre windows, built in cabinetry and carefully positioned feature lighting.

97A Moore Rd, Kewarra Beach Master Builders award-winning home built by Phil Kelly Homes. A view of the award-winning kitchen.

The award-winning kitchen has been custom designed with the “uttermost care and creativity”.

Ms Baldwin said wood grain and matte grey cabinetry warmed the space and created a focus on the central island bench.

“In true Phil Kelly Builders style, the adjoining butlers pantry and laundry has been designed to cater to all with ease, efficiency and a designer’s edge.”

Positioned in its own wing, the master suite features high ceilings, pendant lighting and a stunning combination of concrete, matte black finishes, copper, porcelain breeze blocks, timber and classic whites.

97A Moore Rd, Kewarra Beach is a Master Builders award-winning home built by Phil Kelly Homes. The bathroom features a freestanding tub.

“The freestanding bath is the perfect place to unwind, while the double vanity with highlight mirrors makes preparing for the day a pleasure.

“The three-way bathroom with walk-in shower and freestanding bath both come with views of the mountain range.”

The undercover alfresco area flows effortlessly from the main living space with bi-fold doors and the high ceilings, matched with open panelling, increases airflow through the entire space.

“The house has everything you would expect, including three spacious bedrooms with built-in robes featuring smoky mirrored doors, lush window furnishings of the latest trend and bedside pendant lighting.

“There is a built in office nook catering for two workspaces.

“The low-maintenance landscaping has been designed for minimal care and there is an 11.5m by 2.8m pool and spa with stepped access; perfect for the family.”

The post Chance to buy a Cairns Master Builders award winner appeared first on realestate.com.au.

Savannah Station is a 3562ha property at Mt Surprise ideal for east coast graziers.

COVERING an expansive 7600ha, these two Far Northern grazing stations offer a rare opportunity for east coast residents to get their name on western multi-use pastoral land.

The properties at Mt Surprise, about 380km southwest of Cairns are a subdivision of a former family grazing farm known as Rocky Springs.

The once 17,000ha cattle grazing property was purchased last year with its current owners sighting development potential before subdividing the land into three paddocks.

Now the 3562ha Savannah Station and 4106ha Byrimine Station have been listed on the market for auction on October 20, with Slaney and Co Real Estate’s Henry Slaney.

Mr Slaney said the subdivision had created an opportunity for “people from all walks of life”, due to their manageable sizes.

Byrimine Station at Mt Surprise is a 4106ha property that has cattle grazing, tourism and agriculture potential.

MORE NEWS

Manunda home untouched since ’40s

Lake Tinaroo home share scheme

“Those little blocks don’t come onto the market at all in the Mt Surprise area,” he said.

“It’s freehold title which is a rare commodity in pastoral areas.

“The view was since they (the owners) created those blocks, then that would give opportunity to people on the coast looking at a small breeding block. To breed calves and send them up to the Tablelands, for example.”

Mr Slaney said other than their intended uses as cattle stations, Byrimine also had the potential for other commercial avenues.

“On Byrimine, that’s got grazing, tourism and farming opportunities.

“It’s got an area of suitable land, which has been previously cleared adjacent to the creek with a water licence. So someone could grow some crops or horticulture.

It’s referred to as the big oasis – it’s basically a spring, and the spring is in black soil country. And when it floods out it brings out these little lagoons everywhere over a couple hundred acres.

“So you’re not allowed to develop that, it has to stay as is, but you could easily see someone doing something from an eco tourism perspective.”

To request an inspection of the properties or for more information contact Mr Slaney at 0429 872 985.

The post ‘Small’ 7600ha Mt Surprise cattle stations offer tourism potential appeared first on realestate.com.au.

Built in the 1930s, the character-filled Silkwood Hotel is for sale. Owners Kerry and Al Fry have owned the pub for eight years and are now planning on retiring on some acreage.

A Far North Queensland pub filled with character and country charm is ready for new owners to put their stamp on it.

Kerry and Al Fry bought the Silkwood Hotel eight years ago, relocating from the Torres Strait.

Since then they have become an integral part of the small community, but are now ready for “a quieter lifestyle” with plans to retire on some acreage.

“It’s a tick off the bucket list and onward and upwards with the next chapter … I think growing fruit trees might be involved,” Mrs Fry said.

Built in the 1930s, the character-filled Silkwood Hotel is for sale. Owners Kerry and Al Fry have owned the pub for eight years and are now planning on retiring on some acreage.

MORE NEWS

Six new retailers confirmed for Cairns Central

First look at view from new rooftop bar

Beloved Cairns CBD restaurant to close doors

“We won’t be going too far, we will know the property when we see it.

“We sort of run by a feel and that’s how we ended up settling on buying this pub, it just felt right.

“Yes, I will relish the peace and quiet for a while, but I’m going to miss this place. But it’s somebody elses turn to have the adventure that we’ve been on.”

The Silkwood Hotel is for sale.

Built in the 1930s, the Queenslander-style country hotel located at 1 Edward Street is listed at a negotiable $699,000. It features two bars, seven accommodation rooms, two residential units and a separate shop that could be used for extra income with lease potential.

The Silkwood Hotel’s tranquil beer garden.

The post Silkwood Pub ready for new owners to take over appeared first on realestate.com.au.

66 Fairview St, Bayview Heights was one of the first houses built in the suburb and will auction on September 19.

OFFERED to the market for the first time since 1973, this double-storey family home includes an “epic” workshop, built like a three-bedroom house.

The additional shed at 66 Fairview St, Bayview Heights covers about 150sq m of the 800sq m property and was one of the standout features for Elite Real Estate Services agent Karl Latham.

“Absolute epic shed, probably one of the best residential sheds that I’ve seen in a residential property,” Mr Latham said.

“It’s built like a house, it’s got the roof of a house, the wall of a house but actually stronger. It’s got big steel purlins in there, so it’s a rock solid block workshop-shed with power.”

66 Fairview St, Bayview Heights was one of the first houses built in the suburb and will auction on September 19. An interior view of the “epic” shed, which is the size of a three-bedroom house.

MORE NEWS

Manunda home untouched since ’40s

Lake Tinaroo home share scheme

Mr Latham said the four-bedroom, two-bathroom home was one of the first built at Bayview Heights.

“It’s been in the same family since 1973, many kids have been brought up there. And the owner is elderly now and all the kids have grown up.

“It was one of the first houses in the area – there used just be all parkland around there and spare land.

66 Fairview St, Bayview Heights was one of the first houses built in the suburb and will auction on September 19. The large, modern kitchen.

“It’s the only double storey in that immediate location so you look over the top of all the lowset houses and out towards East Trinity and the mountains there. It’s got lovely views and catches a nice breeze.”

He said the fully fenced home would suit a number of buyers and the detached shed would be perfect for a home business.

66 Fairview St, Bayview Heights was one of the first houses built in the suburb and will auction on September 19. View of the detached shed.

“Downstairs was the rumpus and entertainment room where they used to hold lots of parties.

“It’s got a bathroom, a bar and a separate bedroom where all the boomerang kids used to come back and stay.

“It would make a great granny flat or teenage retreat.

“It’s still got some original features but it’s been maintained really well and quite a large, modern kitchen has recently been added.

“The owner isn’t testing the market, nobody lives there, it’s vacant. It is and will be sold.”

The property will go under the hammer on Saturday, September 19, 10am onsite.

The post Bayview Heights home with ‘epic’ shed enters market after 50 years appeared first on realestate.com.au.

Aerial view of Bentley Park housing and home construction. PICTURE: BRENDAN RADKE

A LEADING real estate researcher is predicting as many as 30,000 people will flee Melbourne over next two years due to the extended lockdown, but a Far North agent says they’re already here.

Propertyology researcher Simon Pressley said the mass exodus would mark one of the biggest ever swings in internal migration in an Australian city.

“Whether they relocate to a Victorian regional location, such as Bendigo, Wodonga, the Great Ocean Road region, or … completely leave the state, thousands of Melburnians will take action to regain their ­freedom,” he said.

“People are also starting to understand (COVID-19) is going to be with us for years, and where there’s greater density, there’s greater risk. We know there are people who’ve already left Melbourne.”

Melburnians are reportedly buying one-way tickets to Cairns with the intention of buying property in the Far North. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Bianca De Marchi

MORE NEWS

Manunda home untouched since ’40s

Lake Tinaroo home share scheme

Cairns’ Marsh Property principal Chris Marsh said some of those residents who had left Melbourne were already in the Far North.

“We’ve spoken to Victorians that have managed to come up here just after the borders closed, with the intention of holidaying and buying property,” Mr Marsh said.

“They’ve gone into hotel isolation, paid a better part of $1000 for a one-way flight.

“And they’ve said ‘to hell with Melbourne, we’re not going back. I’ve already rung the removalist to pack up my house, we’re buying something up here, we’re living up here’.”

Mr Marsh said he had about 12 “very serious” Victorian buyers, with two sales to Melburnians already since July, and his agency had reported a 40 per cent increase in interest from southern investors since September last year.

“The Victorians do tend to be interested in the more “holiday suburbs” – Palm Cove and Trinity,” he said.

“Most of those comments have been on Palm Cove apartments. They’re apartments that have been holiday-let but they can be resided in as well and we’re seeing mostly people that are semi-retired.”

Mr Marsh the said the Far North was becoming a desirable location for more than just Victorians, after he recently sold three houses sight unseen to a New South Wales couple.

“They’re a couple from Sydney and they don’t plan on moving up for a couple of years, but the Far North is in demand and they’re just forward planning.”

The post Melburnians invading the Far Northern property market appeared first on realestate.com.au.

Tugun is king of the Gold Coast castle this spring with droves of beach-loving buyers looking to call the suburb home in time for summer.

The latest data from property listings site realestate.com.au reveals the city’s most in demand suburbs as the spring selling season hots up.

Southern Gold Coast suburbs dominate the most-wanted list, with the promise of relaxed beachside living and value for money driving a frenzy of activity.

A renovated five-bedroom house at 44 Dilgara Road, Tugun sold last month.

MORE: Auction set for epic mansion once listed for $45m

Top 10 eye-popping Gold Coast houses

A touch of Hollywood Hills in Oxenford

Tugun emerged as the top location where more buyers have viewed, saved or shared an online listing and made an inquiry with the agent.

Tugun property specialist Paul Kearney of Base Property Group – Kirra said interest in the sleepy southern suburb had exploded in the past two years.

“Currumbin, Palm Beach and Coolangatta have been go-to suburbs over the years, but in the last two to three years people have turned to Tugun,” he said.

“Tugun has that village feel and it’s a very family-friendly suburb with a shopping precinct, skate park and a pathway all the way down to Coolangatta.”

The Seaton family moved into a charming house in Tugun in July.

Joelene Seaton and her family moved into a charming three-bedroom house in Tugun in July.

The mother of two said Tugun offered easy access to the beach as well as a growing number of restaurants and cafes in the village centre.

“My kids love going to the beach, there are great off-leash dog parks, it’s close to the border and the area has that lovely village feel,” she said.

Value for money is another key driver in Tugun where the median house price is $685,000 – well below the Palm Beach median of $900,000 and $856,500 in Burleigh Heads.

Tallebudgera was the second most in demand Gold Coast suburb over the past 12 months, followed by Burleigh Heads, Palm Beach and Currumbin Waters.

A five-bedroom house on 8656 sqm at 1 Dungogie Dr, Tallebudgera fetched $2.4 million in August.

PRD Burleigh Heads principal John Fischer said bigger homes on larger blocks in proximity to the beach made Tallebudgera a popular postcode for families.

“Sydney buyers have always been big on Tallebudgera, but we also get a lot of locals from Palm Beach and Burleigh looking for a bit more space,” he said.

A Palm Springs-inspired new build at 26 Tallebudgera Connection Rd, Tallebudgera sold for $2.8 million in August.

Mr Fischer said properties in Tallebudgera were being snapped up within two weeks of going to market, while many were under offer before being listed.

“We’ve got a massive list of people wanting to get in there,” he said. “We’re getting multiple offers on most properties at the moment.”

Growing demand has seen house prices in Tallebudgera rise by 31.8 per cent over five years, with the median now at $909,151.

Most in demand suburbs

1. Tugun

2. Tallebudgera

3. Burleigh Heads

4. Palm Beach

5. Currumbin Waters

6. Tallai

7. Elanora

8 Bonogin

9. Mermaid Beach

10. Miami

*Source: realestate.com.au.

The post Most in demand Gold Coast suburbs revealed appeared first on realestate.com.au.