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Melbourne’s stage four COVID-19 restrictions have significantly changed the way the real estate sector can operate.

Notably, home inspections and auctions can only be carried out online, and the construction industry has been scaled back in the effort to curb infections.

Here’s a rundown of what the Victorian Government says market participants can and can’t do during the hard lockdown, which is due to last until September 13.

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Can I sell my home? And should I?

You can put your house on the market for private sale or auction, but all inspections and auctions must be carried out remotely.

Real Estate Institute of Victoria president Leah Calnan said the ban on physical inspections would prompt many would-be buyers to pause their searches as “purchasers don’t buy properties from virtual tours”, making it a challenging time to list.

Adding to the difficulty is the fact photographers, videographers and stylists cannot attend homes to prepare a listing. Real estate agents are also not allowed to visit properties to film inspections, leaving the vendor as the only option to virtually guide buyers through their home.

Searches for Victorian residences for sale on realestate.com.au plunged 13.3 per cent in the first week of stage four restrictions. This was the state’s largest weekly decline this year.

REA Group’s Cameron Kusher expected search activity to “start to rebound as COVID-19 cases come under control and the lockdown period comes to an end”.

Open houses are banned in Victoria under current restrictions.

Can I buy a home? And should I?

Property purchases can still take place. But would-be buyers can only view homes virtually.

Real Estate Buyers Agents Association president Cate Bakos said buyers who had already physically inspected properties prior to lockdown could safely proceed with purchases, noting they may even “get a good deal”. But she advised against buying a property without inspecting it in person, as while a home “might look good in the video and photographs, (it) can feel very different in the flesh”.

Budding buyers should use the lockdown period to obtain loan pre-approval, research their target suburbs and form relationships with real estate agents, Ms Bakos said.

Buyers can only inspect properties virtually in Melbourne under stage four.

Can I settle on a sale?

Yes, if you’ve already committed to settling during the stage four lockdown period, you can proceed. Services relating to a property settlement — including property valuations, pest and building inspections, pre-settlement inspections, and contact-free key collection — have been approved as permitted activities.

Can I end a lease and start a new one?

Yes, Ms Calnan said services relating to ending a lease and starting a new one were permitted, but the process must be carried out as efficiently as possible.

This meant property managers could go to their office, collect keys and other documents, and then attend the rental property. While there, they could carry out a final inspection for the outgoing tenancy, and then prepare for the next tenancy by filming a virtual inspection and installing a lockbox for contact-free key handover.

Ms Calnan said tenants could give 28 days’ notice and vacate within the lockdown period. Tenants ending a lease are permitted to use removalists, and also professional cleaners if required due to disability, impairment or their tenancy agreement.

Melburnians should only start a new lease if it would be unsafe not to, according to the government.

REIV President Leah Calnan. Picture: supplied

Can I move house?

Yes, if you’ve already arranged to move. But the 8pm-5am curfew hours still apply.

Members of your household can help you move. Friends and family who are not part of your household can only help you move if you and those you live with are not physically able to because of age, health or disability reasons. You must stay at least 1.5m apart, wash your hands regularly, wear face coverings at all times and not share food or drink.

Removalists are allowed.

Where possible, the government is encouraging Melburnians to delay moving until stage four ends.

What is the situation in regional Victoria?
Regional Victoria, including Mitchell Shire, is under stage three restrictions. Auctions must be online.

Physical inspections of homes are allowed by appointment. Only the person inspecting the property and a real estate agent can be present. The resident must temporarily leave their home for one of the reasons permitted under the stay-at-home directions.

Physical inspections are still allowed by appointment in regional Victoria.

Can Melburnians inspect properties in regional Victoria
?

No, metropolitan Melbourne residents cannot travel to areas under stage three restrictions to inspect properties.

I can’t afford to pay my rent anymore, can I seek a rent reduction?

Yes, if you’re struggling financially due to COVID-19.

Tenants Victoria chief executive Jennifer Beveridge advised tenants in this situation to work out how much rent they could afford to pay and try to reach an agreement with their landlord or property manager. Tenants should not stop paying rent altogether, and should get any agreement in writing. They should then register their agreement with Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) to gain access to “support and protections”.

More than 17,500 rent reduction agreements were registered with CAV by July, at an average discount of $155 per week or 27 per cent, a Victorian parliamentary inquiry report showed.

Ms Beveridge said tenants who couldn’t strike a fair agreement should use CAV’s formal mediation process.

Rental increases are also banned in Victoria until September 29.

Tenants Victoria chief executive Jennifer Beveridge.

Can I be evicted from my rental?

A moratorium on residential and commercial evictions remains in place until September 29. Evictions are only permitted if a tenant is engaging in threatening behaviour or maliciously damaging a property, or if a landlord is selling the home or they or their family need to move into it. When this publication went to print, the Victorian Government was yet to confirm an extension to the moratorium. But Premier Daniel Andrews has said he would have more to say on this soon.

I am a landlord and my tenant has asked for a rent reduction, is there any support for me?

Landlords who reduce rents for tenants in coronavirus-related hardship are eligible for a 25 per cent discount on their land tax as part of a $420m Victorian Government package announced in April. Any remaining land tax can be deferred until March 2021.

An $80m rental assistance fund is also available for tenants who are still paying at least 30 per cent of their income towards rent following mediation with their landlord, and who have less than $5000 in savings. Assistance payments go directly to landlords.

Can I continue renovating my home?

If you are living at the property, the renovation needs to pause once it’s safe and urgent issues are resolved.

If you have moved out, the renovation is treated as small-scale construction, for which a maximum five people are allowed on site.

Can tradies come to my house?

Yes, but only for emergency repairs. Mr Andrews said earlier this month: “There’ll be no cleaners going to your house. There’ll be no one mowing your lawns. It’s not the time to be painting your house or having unnecessary, non-urgent work happen.” You must keep at least 1.5m distance between yourself and the tradesperson and wear face coverings.

Can my new home build continue?

Yes, this falls under small-scale construction for which a maximum of five people are allowed on site.

How will the stage four restrictions impact the residential market?

Property experts expect very few new listings and sales to occur during the stage four lockdown.

Earlier this month, CoreLogic head of research Tim Lawless said low levels of activity — coupled with low interest rates, government support measures like JobKeeper and mortgage holidays — had so far insulated Melbourne from significant price falls, with home values shedding 3.5 per cent since March. But he warned this decline could deepen, with consumer sentiment diving and “urgent sales” becoming more likely.

But Ms Bakos reminded would-be buyers and sellers the restrictions were temporary: “(They) need to keep that in perspective and use this time wisely.”

Ms Calnan also noted many of the real estate sector directions were only in place until August 16, at which point they could be amended.

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samantha.landy@news.com.au

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HAS this Gold Coast mega mansion been built in the wrong suburb?

The Oxenford house is on the market at more than $3 million and will smash the suburb record if it sells for its asking price.

The property, at 9 Temple Island Circuit, is on a sprawling 1000sq m block overlooking Regatta Waters Lake but “oozes Sovereign Islands luxe on an unprecedented scale”.

9 Temple Island Circuit, Oxenford.

9 Temple Island Circuit, Oxenford from the street.

The vendors, who moved from up-market Sovereign Islands to the leafy suburb of Oxenford, enlisted a designer and builder who typically work on the Sovereign Islands.

Ray White Sovereign Islands agents Rhonda Gunn and Edin Kara are marketing the property and said they were blown away when they first stepped inside.

“When I first walked into it I was just stunned,” Ms Gunn said.

“The quality just jumps out at you right from the word go. It just oozes luxury.”

Inside the luxury abode at 9 Temple Island Circuit.

Entertain while overlooking the lake.

The vendors moved from Sovereign Islands at Paradise Point to Oxenford, west of the M1.

Among its standout features is a curved Venetian plaster wall, gourmet kitchen, resort-style pool, media room, parent’s retreat, three car garage and gym.

Mr Kara said the vendors loved the position on Temple Island Circuit so much they decided to make the move west.

CoreLogic records reveal they paid $600,000 for the block in 2017 before building their dream home.

The house features an open-plan design.

And a cinema room.

“They loved the lake and the fact the block faces northeast and is so peaceful and quiet,” Mr Kara said.

“They always used to run around the lake and so bought a block of land to build their dream home.”

While a sale of more than $3 million would be a record for the suburb, the agents are confident of finding a buyer.

Property records show the highest sale in Oxenford is $1.26 million 2017 for a house on Brittany Drive.

Oxenford’s median house price is $527,250 according to REA Group.

Style at every turn.

The luxurious kitchen.

The house overlooks the lake.

The post Pricey Oxenford house hits the market at more than $3 million appeared first on realestate.com.au.

Rugs from the Agra collection by Armadillo & Co bathes this living space curated by stylist and designer Sarah Ellison in a golden glow. Picture: Anson Smart

It’s the colour of love, compassion and obvious wealth. No wonder gold makes us feel good.

And at the moment, anything that puts us in a positive frame of mind deserves a second look.

Colour expert for Dulux Andrea Lucena-Orr says gold, which sits between yellow and brown on the colour spectrum, is an instant mood lifter.

“From a psychological perspective, it can give you a warm, happy feeling,” she says. “It’s a beautiful colour.”

Gold brings depth to living spaces. Styled by Bree Leech. Photographer: Lisa Cohen. Wall (rear) in Dulux Golden Sand, wall (front) in Apricot Fool

When most of us think about gold, we think of shiny, metallic surfaces, but take away the reflective gloss and it becomes a lot more interesting, says Andrea, because of the way it absorbs light and adds warmth.

“The beautiful thing about gold is that often it has complex undertones,” she says.

“We’re not talking about full-on gold as a metallic. It can have a mustard undertone or it can have a greenish or yellowish undertone, almost a tan colour.”

Gold plays well with others. Dulux design gold effect in Gold Vintage. Stylist Liberty Interiors

Colour expert for Porter’s Paints, Melanie Stevenson, says gold is a surprisingly versatile colour for interior spaces.

“It is super easy to work with, and it goes with so many other colours,” she says. “It sits well with pinks, greys, blues and greens — it works like a neutral.”

Andrea says the colours you pair it with will set the tone for the whole room.

“If it is a formal room, you can use gold with dark green, or white looks good if you want to spruce up the living room,” she says.

Gold has a cocooning effect in this bedroom. Porter’s Paints Capsule Collection in Sundance.

If you’re after a warm, inviting space, team gold with earthy colours like burnt orange, sage and rose, which will not contrast with it strongly but still allow the lustre of gold to shine.

Andrea says using gold is the perfect solution for drab, dark rooms that need a lift.

“I would never recommend painting a dark room white,” she says. “If you want to lift a room on the south side of your house, go with a warm colour in a mid tone. It takes away that bluish reference from being on that side of the house.”

She knows from experience the difference it can make.

“I once painted a guest room on the south side of our house gold,” says Andrea.

“It’s a great colour. The first time I went into that room after we painted it, I knew I had done the right thing.”

More: armadillo-co.com; dulux.com.au; porterspaints.com; sarahellison.com.au; libertyinteriors.com.au

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Brisbane’s most popular streets have been revealed by Realestate.com.au. Picture: Annette Dew.

One is home to multimillion-dollar mansions and a host of high-profile movers and shakers.

Another is a little-known street in an outer Brisbane suburb that rarely rates a mention when it comes to prestige property.

Yet both Sutherland Avenue in Ascot and Ramsay Road in Clear Mountain have been recognised as two of the most sought-after streets within 30 kilometres of the CBD among home hunters.

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This house at 41 Sutherland Ave, Ascot, is for sale.

Tracking online searches by potential buyers over the past three years, property portal Realestate.com.au has revealed Brisbane’s 20 most popular streets.

And while some are notable blue-ribbon winners, others may come as a surprise.

Realestate.com.au director of economic research Cameron Kusher said the geographic locations of Brisbane’s most popular streets were quite varied, suggesting home buyers were craving more than just a top location on the city’s doorstep.

This five-bedroom house at 13 Ramsay Rd, Clear Mountain, sold in May for $1.6m.

The data also revealed a sweet spot with the combination of nice views and reasonable proximity to amenities proving a winner.

“Brisbane’s most sought-after street is in Clear Mountain; a palatial spot with large lots further away from the city centre,” Mr Kusher said.

Bridgeman Road in Bridgeman Downs, West Mount Cotton Road in Cornubia and Lisk Street in Pullenvale also made the cut.

This house at 61 Lisk St, Pullenvale, is for sale.

Two streets in the leafy suburb of Graceville, in Brisbane’s west, made the list — Molonga Terrace and Jaora Street.

Ann-Karyn Fraser of Place Estate Agents, who specialises in Brisbane’s western suburbs, said Molonga Tce was particularly popular with young families and many of its homes had a “presence” about them.

“It’s a nice wide street, off the Avenues, so it’s got some historical homes, and some that lead down to the river,” Ms Fraser said.

“In the afternoon, all the families walk with their dogs and kids and bikes and prams. It’s one of those streets where the kids all play with the neighbours.

This house at 41 Molonga Tce, Graceville, is for sale.

She said the street was also sought-after because it was within walking distance of shops and a train station, an in the Graceville State School catchment.

Realestate.com.au chief economist Nerida Conisbee said demand for certain streets was usually driven by curiosity and aspiration to live in a dream home.

“There is a certain percentage of those searching, that are sticking beaking and want to check out certain homes and certain streets,” Ms Conisbee said.

“Often those streets in those suburbs are particularly nice, even for those affluent areas. They might have a much better view, nicer houses or something else desirable that tends to lead to higher levels of interest.

“Sometimes it might be that a super popular house in that street can lead to an incredible surge of activity.”

REA chief economist Nerida Conisbee.

Becker Place in Mount Ommaney, about 12km west of the CBD, could be considered a surprise sought-after suburb.

Local agent Adam Wishart of 4074 Property said there only 14 houses in the street, but they were all big homes on blocks over 1000 sqm.

“It’s got the best outlook,” Mr Wishart said.

“You can see the bay or out to the mountains, and the ones on the high side also have the Brisbane River out to Toowoomba, and beyond.

“It’s definitely a popular spot, so homes are tightly held on to. I have so many people wanting to get in there.”

This house at 8 Becker Place, Mount Ommaney, is for sale.

Mr Wishart, who is marketing a six-bedroom, four-bathroom home at 8 Becker Place, said houses in the street ranged in price from $1.4 million right up to $6 million.

He said interest was mainly from upsizers and business owners.

Ms Conisbee said affordability and ‘bang for your buck’ could also be a factor, which would explain why suburbs like Draper, Clear Mountain and Cornubia were in demand.

“In terms of Ramsay Road in Clear Mountain, that looks like there are some fantastic luxury homes there at a good price,” she said.

But potential buyers looking at these streets would likely be up against stiff competition and possibly pay a higher price than for houses in less popular streets in the same suburb, Ms Conisbee said.

This property at 911 Eatons Crossing Rd, Draper, is for sale. Eatons Crossing Road has been identified as one of Brisbane’s most popular streets.

She said it was not surprising that the most in-demand streets skewed towards luxury housing in premium suburbs, but the “best” streets were not always in the most expensive suburbs.

“Luxury homes are always going to attract eyeballs, but when it comes to sealing the deal on a new home, buyers are looking for more than just premium, inner-city property,” she said.

“All suburbs have nice streets, but often the most highly sought-after streets have something special about them.

“The houses may be particularly nice, or it may be that the views are amazing; it could be located close to a beach or a great retail precinct; the blocks may be particularly large, or it may be a very friendly neighbourhood. There are a lot of factors that define a great street.”

Dickson Terrace in the blue-ribbon suburb of Hamilton is an example of a street most people could only dream of living in.

The swanky street is home to the nine-bedroom mansion built by disgraced businessman Christopher Skase and bought by hotelier Steven Shoobridge for $10.13 million in 2018.

The mansion built by the late Christopher Skase at 36 Dickson Tce, Hamilton.

Sutherland Avenue in the affluent suburb of Ascot is also considered an aspirational addition to the list, with only 16 homes in the exclusive street and residents including a renowned fashion designer and real estate industry stalwarts.

A new sale price suburb record was set in the street earlier this year when ‘Windermere’ at 14 Sutherland Ave sold for $13.1 million.

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

GREATER BRISBANE’S 20 MOST POPULAR STREETS

Street name Suburb

1. Ramsay Road Clear Mountain

2. Bridgeman Road Bridgeman Downs

3. West Mount Cotton Road Cornubia

4. Lisk Street Pullenvale

5. Becker Place Mount Ommaney

6. Banek Place Everton Park

7. Sutherland Avenue Ascot

8. Molonga Terrace Graceville

9. Jaora Street Graceville

10. Eatons Crossing Road Draper

11. Debussy Place Mount Ommaney

12. Dickson Terrace Hamilton

13. Leatherwood Place Brookfield

14. Mckie Crescent Cannon Hill

15. Ivy Street Indooroopilly

16. Park Road Milton

17. Dobson Road Clear Mountain

18. Gleeson Road Samsonvale

19. Royston Street Brookfield

20. Borva Street Dutton Park

(Source: Realestate.com.au, based on buyer searches since July 2017, within 30km of CBD)

The post Brisbane’s most popular streets: Find out if yours makes the cut appeared first on realestate.com.au.

SOME are home to mega mansions and sprawling acreage retreats while others are prime locations for units.

A few simply offer bargain buys for house hunters.

Tracking online searches by potential buyers over the past three years, property portal realestate.com.au has revealed the Gold Coast’s 20 most popular streets.

Do you live on one of the Gold Coast’s most popular streets?

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And while Surfers Paradise’s Southern Cross Drive may be a given, it’s the lesser known streets like Cassia Drive at Coomera and Beau Pde at Bonogin that may come as a surprise.

Taking out the crown was the Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Waters – this particular section of the highway is scattered with apartments and holiday resorts.

Nerang Murwillumbah Rd at Numinbah Valley came in at second place and a quick search shows huge land holdings with multimillion-dollar price tags.

Currumbin Valley’s Brocks Rd – a haven for acreage retreats – rounded out the top three.

Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Waters was named the most popular street on the Gold Coast.

2325 Nerang Murwillumbah Rd, Numinbah Valley is on the market at $2 million. Nerang Murwillumbah Rd came second on the top 20 list of most popular streets on the Gold Coast.

A sprawling mansion at 84 Brocks Rd, Currumbin Valley sold for $2.85 million earlier this year. Brocks Rd rounded out the top three most popular streets.

“There is a certain percentage of those searching, that are sticky beaking and want to check out certain homes and certain streets,” REA Group chief economist Nerida Conisbee said.

“Like some of the other streets in the more affluent areas, people love looking at luxury homes in amazing locations.”

“Often those streets in those suburbs are particularly nice, even for those affluent areas.

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

Nerida Conisbee, chief economist of REA Group, says people love browsing luxury homes in amazing locations.

Ms Conisbee said a “super popular house” in one particular street could also lead to a surge of activity.

“In some cases affordability can be a driving factor too,” she said.

“Some of these streets fall into that category.

“In other cases, the chance to own a big block of land is enticing buyers there.”

She said potential buyers in these streets would be up against more competition and pay a higher price.

The Gold Coast Highway at Mermaid Waters was crowned king on a list of the Gold Coast’s 20 most popular streets.

Luke Henderson, director of John Henderson Professionals Mermaid Beach, said he was surprised to see the Gold Coast Highway at Mermaid Waters top the list.

Affordability and transportation could be attributed to its popularity, he said.

“We recently had an auction on a property on the corner of the Gold Coast Highway and Heron Ave that had 10 registered bidders,” Mr Henderson said.

“It was one of the cheapest villas with a courtyard.

“Affordability was the driver and the fact it was close to the beach.”

The most sought-after streets are scattered throughout the Gold Coast and include two in Coomera.

2 Cassia Drive, Coomera sold for $405,000 on July 9, 2020.

LJ Hooker Coomera/ Ormeau agent Patrick Conley recently sold a four-bedroom house on Cassia Drive.

The Coomera street ranked No. 5 on the most sought-after streets.

He said despite being on a small 265sq m block, the house attracted multiple offers and sold within the first few weeks of his marketing campaign.

“It was due to its location and the fact it was a new build,” he said.

“It was close to schools including the new school development at Foxwell Rd and also close to Westfield Coomera and the rail.”

The Gold Coast’s 20 most popular streets

Source: realestate.com.au

1. Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Waters

2. Nerang Murwillumbah Rd, Numinbah Valley

3. Brocks Rd, Currumbin Valley

4. Shearwater Esp, Runaway Bay

5. Cassia Drive, Coomera

6. Barker St, Currumbin

7. Southern Cross Drive, Surfers Paradise

8. Camp Drive, Bonogin

9. Katta Ave, Currumbin

10. Gracemere Circuit North, Hope Island

11. Magnoli Cct, Palm Beach

12. 19th Ave, Palm Beach

13. George Street West, Burleigh Heads

14. Warwick Place, Helensvale

15. Cristobel Court, Broadbeach Waters

16. Lakeview Blvd, Mermaid Waters

17. Beau Pde, Bonogin

18. Tiarnna Close, Burleigh Heads

19. Midview Court, Currumbin

20. Synergy Drive, Coomera

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17 Andrew Ave, Millswood. Supplied by Williams Real Estate.

It’s been in the one family for almost 40 years, and now it’s time for another family to move into this gorgeous Millswood home and start their own dynasty there.

Rose Williams and her late husband John – father of selling agent John Williams – bought the home in 1984, attracted by its space, location, elegance and grand proportions.

“My husband John loved the size of it and was looking for a beautiful big family home because we had a family on the way, and he had his previous family,” Mrs Williams says.

17 Andrew Ave, Millswood. Supplied by Williams Real Estate.

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“He liked it because it was a corner block and he liked having space and privacy and loved spending time in the garden because he was in the office so much.

“We bought it from Owen Redmond and his wife, who wanted to downsize. There’s a lot of history attached to Andrew Ave, and a lot of people tend to stay here for a long time.”

17 Andrew Ave, Millswood. Supplied by Williams Real Estate.

Seamlessly blending character features with modern upgrades, the home retains its period charm, allowing people the opportunity to live in a quintessential grand Adelaide home of yesteryear, or add their own personal touches and bring it into the future.

“It needed a lot of work done when we bought it – it was a lot smaller so we extended it,” Mrs Williams says. “We tried not to change too much because John was always big on having things that were of the era and preserving the character of the house. By changing it too much it becomes like every other house and that’s what makes this property special. But if someone wanted to modernise it that would be lovely.”

17 Andrew Ave, Millswood. Supplied by Williams Real Estate.

The home, set on a 3114sqm allotment, features four bedrooms, grand formal dining and living areas, a renovated kitchen and numerous outdoor entertainment areas. There’s also a sparkling inground pool, a grass tennis court, a separate guesthouse with a bathroom, while the home is surrounded by established and meticulously maintained landscaped gardens.

17 Andrew Ave, Millswood. Supplied by Williams Real Estate.

Mrs Williams says the home’s size and stunning garden location makes it an ideal entertainer.

“Because of John’s work we did a lot of entertaining here, and the house and garden was fantastic for that,” she says. “Because we had the swimming pool the kids from down the street that would come around and we’d have lots of pool parties here and we loved being outdoors. We were married in a marquee on the front lawn in front of our family and friends, and that was a particularly memorable occasion.

17 Andrew Ave, Millswood. Supplied by Williams Real Estate.

“Everyone would come here for birthdays and Christmases – it was a great family home and everyone had their partners and had two children and Christmas was always hectic, but absolutely wonderful and perfect. But now it’s just me here. I used to be like the old woman that lived in a shoe, but now I’m all here by myself and it’s time to move to something a little smaller. It seems sad to have just me here and a bit of a waste of this amazing property when another family could love it as much as we have.

17 Andrew Ave, Millswood. Supplied by Williams Real Estate.

“I picture kids riding their bikes around here and running around, and I think its time for it to be used and enjoyed that way.”

Mrs Williams says, given the amount of memories tied up in the property, it will be difficult to leave both the home and its great location.

“The location is fantastic because it’s really private and there isn’t any through traffic there, but yet you’re so close to King William Rd and we have a lot of schools nearby so it works really well for families,” Mrs Williams says.

“I’m going to be really sad to leave this place, but it really is time to stop being greedy and let someone live the wonderful life we had here.”

17 Andrew Ave, Millswood. Supplied by Williams Real Estate.

17 Andrew Ave, Millswood

Contact agent for price

Agent: Williams Real Estate, Stephanie Williams 0413 874 888 and John Williams 0411 747 555. Land size: 3114sqm. Expressions of Interest: Close Wednesday, September 9 at 2pm.

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855 Oceana Drive, Tranmere. Picture: SUPPLIED

WITH its gigantic views of Hobart and the mountain alongside an enviable address and top-quality finishes, this home leaves nothing to desire.

This Oceana Drive home was built by the award-winning team at Ronald Young Builders and the finish reflects the professional tradesmen who were used.

Of the many impressive features, the covered sun deck might be the finest.

It is located just off the kitchen and dining area — and the lounge too — and was designed in such a way that it feels like a seamless part of this open plan living zone.

It is covered, which means the owner can use the space all year-round if desired, and it is one of many perfect positions to take in the classic Tranmere water vista.

So stylish.

Good looking.

Work or play.

Take a nap.

The deck is large enough for a six-seat dining table while still having comfortable room to spare.

The lounge area has double sliding doors access to the deck that allows a homeowner to extend the living area for family gatherings or just to let the breeze flow in on a hot summer’s day.

In the spacious, modern kitchen there are plenty of drawers and cupboards alongside state-of-the-art appliances. The tapware and the pendant lights over the breakfast space have a contemporary feel.

A see-through timber feature gives a feeling of dividing the open space without actually blocking the view or sight line between the kitchen and lounge – one of many examples of smart design and construction.

Another standout feature can be found off the dining area: a romantic window seat where the owner can sit in the sun and take in the view or just read a favourite book, magazine (or Real Estate Guide).

Easy maintenance.

Dinner time.

Take a seat.

Space to relax.

Along the hallway there are four bedrooms with the convenience of wardrobes. The master bedroom is well-equipped with a walk-in wardrobe and a sparkling ensuite.

At this end of the home there is a separate laundry and the main bathroom, which offers a larger than usual shower and a modern freestanding bath tub.

Outside, there is an exposed aggregate driveway that sets the scene for what is to be discovered beyond.

Entry into the house is through an extra large front door into a wide entrance.

Easy-care landscaping surrounds the property and it has new fencing.

Tranmere is renowned for the views and this home is no different, with the river, city and mountain area showcased from most windows.

This home has no steps at the front, which makes access easy for a range of potential buyers.

There are steps from its decks to the backyard and a large workshop.

No.855 Oceana Drive, Tranmere is listed with Harcourts Signature Rosny Park and priced at $795,000.

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Investors in the market must play the long game. Photo by Gaye Gerard/ Sunday Telegraph

Investor activity – buying, selling and renting – across Sydney is far more complex than normal as the market moves through what’s been a busier winter into the traditional spring selling season.

There are testing times and emerging opportunities.

Asking rents have fallen, and sharply, according to the valuation firm Herron Todd White (HTW), while vacancy rates have climbed. Capital values have however not declined at similar levels thus triggering reduced investor yields.

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A recent rental reduction took place at a Fairlight two-bedroom unit leased for $620 per week after getting $745 in 2019.

Suburbs on the northern beaches that rely on tourism such as Manly have seen a reduction in weekly rents and higher vacancy rates. But when it comes to sales, HTW noted investors are there ranging from local, out of towners and international buyers. Agents have noted stronger activity from expatriates as the uncertainty in the global markets make the Australian property market a relatively safer investment.

The northern beaches is popular with investors. Picture: John Appleyard

Western Sydney has experienced a lower impact from COVID-19 in comparison to other areas of Sydney, such as the inner suburbs, according to the latest HTW update.

In the greater west, a popular investment option comes in the form of a house and granny at which can provide a second rental stream. A three bedroom Colyton home with a detached two bedroom granny flat recently sold for $659,000, with a combined rental potential of $700 per week, calculating a gross rental return of 5.5 per cent.

Government initiatives have helped keep “some calm” in the western suburbs, but HTW noted a lot of speculation from property professionals that the longer the pandemic goes, the more stress there will be on tenants paying their rent and investors paying their mortgages.

“As a result this potentially could see an array of properties hitting the market within a short period of time which could put downward pressure on property price.”

More first homebuyers are entering the market. (Pictures by Julian Andrews).

Agents within Sydney’s inner city and east are reporting investor purchasing appears to have dropped sharply, particularly in high density areas, especially Haymarket, Zetland and Forest Lodge.

SQM Research had vacancy rates for Zetland peak in May at a record high of six per cent and have slightly reduced to 5.6 per cent.

HTW noted a two-bedroom unit on O’Riordan St in Mascot that sold in 2016 for $800,000 resold last month for $790,000.

“This result demonstrates how investment grade properties within certain high-density locations are performing sub-par when compared to owner occupier style properties.”

However, HTW noted more first homebuyers are entering the market which does help increase demand for some of the investment style units, but there is still an oversupply of apartments advertised for sale and lease within these locations.

The report noted the investor market across southwest suburbs, in particular the Liverpool LGA, was very active.

But HTW has seen rentals stagnate and in some areas fall. It noted on realestate.com.au there were 99, modern two-bedroom two-bathroom units available and 160, three-to-four bedroom homes available for rent within the Liverpool LGA.

HTW suggests investors are wondering whether there will be any upside capital growth in the next few years.

They can’t see growth in many resales at the moment.

But they note there are opportunities for investors who can tolerate the reduced rental income and “ride out the storm” until the market starts to recover.

The post Plenty of opportunities for investors in Sydney market if they hold long-term appeared first on realestate.com.au.

9 Spa Street, Holland Park West, is a large family home on a corner block.

Anyone looking through the family home at 9 Spa Street Holland Park West would be forgiven for thinking it had not long been built.

It has a modern layout, generous accommodation (six bedrooms, including a self-contained apartment on the lower-ground floor, very COVID-19), and is in immaculate condition.

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Yet the Pietrobon family, Fran, Vic and their two children in their early twenties, have lived in the house for almost a decade.

Its everlasting appeal is mostly down to Fran, who designed the home with the help of an architect after the family bought the corner block in 2010.

“It wasn’t easy but the architect was great, and allowed me to go back and forth and make so many changes,” Fran said.

One of the living rooms has a bespoke stone feature wall.

“Generally I knew what I wanted but it took 12 months to finish. I don’t think there is anything I would change. I have loved this house.”

One of the rooms on which Fran was not prepared to compromise was the kitchen, or rather, kitchens.

There are two — one indoors, one outdoors. Both are topped with hard-wearing quartzite benchtops; the main island alone is made up of nine tonnes of quartz that had to be craned in.

The kitchen island is made up of nine tonnes of quartzite.

Being from an Italian background, Fran said she loved to cook and the kitchen was where she and the family spent most of their time.

“A lot of tomatoes have been chopped on that island bench,” Fran laughed.

There is also a large butler’s pantry, hot and cold zip tap, integrated fridge, and suite of Smeg appliances including two ovens, a microwave, steamer and induction cooktop.

The back deck offers fabulous views of the city.

Elsewhere in the home are a number of living spaces including a pool room, cinema room, study, store rooms and an outdoor patio leading to the family’s infinity pool.

Ascend the central staircase and you will find the master bedroom, with a generous walk-in wardrobe and ensuite, and an additional three bedrooms. From this level you can also capture

spectacular views of the city and sunsets across the rooftops of neighbouring houses.

One thing that is definitely not lacking throughout this home is storage; Fran made certain of that.

The house has two kitchens, one indoor, one outdoor, as the owner loves to cook.

“There is storage galore. I put cupboards in every nook and cranny. For me a house has to be practical. It has to look pretty, but it also has to be usable,” Fran said. “The down side of that it the joinery bill is through the roof,” she laughed.

The house has four garages, two on the ground level and two on the middle level.

For the family of four it has proved a spacious home, but its sheer size is part of the reason why the Pietrobons are now selling.

The home’s cinema room is one of several living spaces.

“It’s a very comfortable home and took a lot of time to get right,” Fran said, “but there is also a lot of cleaning and we just don’t have time for that anymore.”

I suspect it’s Fran’s fastidiousness that has kept the house in pristine condition all these years.

“It is well maintained. For an eight-year-old home it does look almost like new,” she said.

Cleaning gripes aside, will Fran miss the home she has put so much work into?

“On the one hand I think I will be a bit sad, but on the other hand I won’t. I love the position and I love the house, it’s just too big for us now and I want to reclaim my weekends.”

The house is open for inspection today at 10am.

The post Brisbane home that’s pretty and practical appeared first on realestate.com.au.

Buxton listing agent Carl McCann shows off the bay views from this clifftop Clifton Springs property. Picture: Glenn Ferguson

A CLIFFTOP Clifton Springs property with private beach access and panoramic bay views has hit the market on the town’s most exclusive strip.

Described as “one of the best parcels of land in Victoria”, the 5145sq m allotment occupies a prime stretch of north-facing waterfront with vistas across to Melbourne.

The rear boundary of 49-51 Clifton Street, Clifton Springs extends to the high water mark, with a private path leading down to the beach below.

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Views over the You Yangs and Melbourne await the new owners.

Buyers have the option of renovating the existing six-bedrooom home on the site, which includes two titles, or rebuilding.

Buxton agent Carl McCann said there was nothing else like it on the market.

“It’s one of only a few along there and I think it’s the pick of them, being on the end it doesn’t have any neighbours on the eastern side,” Mr McCann said.

“It’s a terrific spot and once this one is gone, that’s probably the last one.

“You have got views across to Melbourne CBD … if you had the same thing on the other side of the bay you would looking at $6m.”

A lawn leads from the house to a path down to the bay.

Buyers are interested in both renovating or rebuilding on the site.

There’s scope to update the interior.

The property is being sold as one parcel, although there is the option to carve off 830sq m on its own title at the front.

It’s right next door the Clifton Springs Bowling Club and just moments from the golf club and The Dell.

Price hopes are $1.8m-$1.98m, with expressions of interest closing on August 27.

Mr McCann said the vendors had lived at the property for 30 years and there was scope to improve both the house and the existing beach access.

“We have had interest from Melbourne and locally, it’s been a mix of interest between renovating or building a new house,” he said.

The Clifton Springs Bowling Club is on the eastern side of the property.

Living areas on both levels of the two-storey house offer uninterrupted bay views across a vast lawn.

There’s also a kitchen and dining room on each floor, with four bedrooms downstairs and another two upstairs.

Clifton Street has become Clifton Springs’ millionaire’s row in recent years, with a string of top sales.

A modern, four-bedroom house with direct beach access at No. 25 set the town’s price record when it sold for $1.85m in 2015.

Mr McCann, who recently joined the Buxton Geelong group, said he was looking forward to working with the agency.

The post Clifton Springs listing ‘one of the best parcels of land in Victoria’ appeared first on realestate.com.au.