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A new survey revealed the areas with the happiest sellers.

The inner west is the Sydney region where sellers are most frequently getting prices over expectation, a vendor survey reveals.

The higher rate of above-expectation sales made inner west vendors Sydney’s happiest sellers, according to the Rate My Agent poll of more than 33,000 Aussie vendors.

About 41 per cent of inner west sellers reported they got a price above what they wanted for their properties.

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This put the inner west among the 10 “happiest” seller’s markets, alongside Canberra, Hobart, the central highlands area of Victoria and northern Melbourne.

Belle Property agent Simone Azzi said the enduring popularity of the inner west meant there was a safety net for prices and buyers remained active.

Belle Property agent Simone Azzi said the inner west drew a mixed crowd of buyers. Picture: John Appleyard

“Larger family homes, properties with quality renovations, they are still getting exceptional prices,” Ms Azzi said. “The properties that are not selling well are on busy roads or there is an obstruction.”

The biggest spending buyers were upsizers, she said. “Many of them have figured it is a good time buy and they’re capitalising,” she said.

“The inner west is also a lot cheaper than the eastern suburbs and lower north shore so we are attracting some buyers from those areas who are search of a bit more value.”

Rate My Agent CEO Mark Armstrong said there was a June uplift in market confidence.

“After the initial shock in April wore off, consumer optimism is on the way back up,” he said.

The inner west was a sharp contrast to NSW’s central west region, including towns such as Dubbo and Orange, which was one of the weakest markets for sellers. About 27 per cent of vendors in the region reported they got prices above what they expected.

Vendors in northern NSW also struggled, with only 15 per cent netting prices above their hopes.

About two in five home sellers in the inner west got more than they expected.

Nationally, the other areas where home sellers were least likely to get prices above their expectations were scattered across regional Western Australia and Queensland. The most frustrated capital city sellers were in Perth.

Ray White Quakers Hill agent Josh Tesolin said the report’s NSW findings were a call to action.

“At the moment, so many people are holding off on selling due to uncertainty,” he said.

The post ‘Happiest sellers’: the Sydney region where vendors are most likely to get prices above hopes appeared first on realestate.com.au.

THE Far North has long been regarded as a popular tourist destination and now it’s becoming a popular choice among families to settle down and raise their children.

The natural beauty of the region is the obvious reason homebuyers are drawn to the Far North, however affordability in comparison to the quality of life, improving infrastructure and services alongside a solid workforce make compelling reasons to live and buy property in the Far North.

Families can escape the congestion and stress of the major cities, yet still be confident their children will have the necessary opportunities to chase their goals, from the comfort of their laid-back Far Northern home.

Housing estates in Cairns. PICTURE: BRENDAN RADKE

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Central Realty Mareeba director Remo Esposito said families were after at least three bedrooms, work and school proximity, either a decent backyard or easy access to parks and a house that was ready to move into, not requiring upgrades or improvements in a family-friendly area.

“We’ve always been an affordable region and it does’t surprise me there are options (under $250,000) for family homes up here,” he said.

“You compare $250,000 to the major cities and there you can pay more for just a block of land sometimes, but the quality you can get for that price range here (in a house) is excellent.”

These are just 10 of the many family ready homes under $250,000 on the Far Northern market.

FOR SALE IN FNQ

80 Bryant St, Tully is just one of many quality homes in Far North Queensland under $250,000.

89 Bryant St, Tully

$165,000

3 bed, 2 bath, 2 car

Sitting on a massive 2000sq m block is this highset open-plan house ready for an active family chasing yards of space.

The fenced block with an expansive garden makes it perfectly safe for kids who love exploring and the property is only minutes away from the local primary and high schools and Tully’s main street with all shopping needs covered.

22 Petersen St, Mareeba is just one of many quality homes in Far North Queensland under $250,000.

22 Petersen St, Mareeba

3 bed, 1 bath, 2 car

$190,000

Located at the northern end of town, this neat and tidy three-bedroom home has plenty of potential for a family. There is plenty of room for the kids to enjoy the outdoors on this fully fenced, spacious 1055sq m property.

Only a short drive into the town’s centre this home offers a quiet lifestyle, with the conveniences of modern internal finishes including an updated kitchen. This home also features aluminium framed sliding windows and is partially security screened.

443 Silkwood Japoon Rd, Silkwood is just one of many quality homes in Far North Queensland under $250,000.

443 Silkwood Japoon Rd, Silkwood

3 bed, 1 bath, 2 car

$195,000

For families chasing a rural getaway but access to schools and the nearby Innisfail CBD, this Silkwood home is ideally located. Recently renovated to include modern interior finishes, the bright and breezy home is on a private 1706sq m block, five minutes from school and less than 20 to Innisfail.

80 Mourilyan Rd, East Innisfail is just one of many quality homes in Far North Queensland under $250,000.

80 Mourilyan Rd, East Innisfail

3 bed, 1 bath, 3 car

$195,000

Walking distance to schools and to the Innisfail CBD, this spacious home is perfect for busy families who are always on the go. But the three-bedroom renovated home with an updated kitchen is also close to nearby picturesque walking tracks with river views for when it’s time to slow down. The double-storey home is on a large 800sq m block and has room downstairs for an additional living area or a workshop.

4 Jirimandi Cl, Wonga Beach is just one of many quality homes in Far North Queensland under $250,000.

4 Jirimandi Cl, Wonga Beach

3 bed, 1 bath, 1 car

$219,000

Busy parents will be easily drawn to this Wonga Beach home that is labelled a “low-maintenance” block house. This well-maintained, tidy beach home is located in a quiet street on a fenced 800sq m block with no rear neighbours and only a few minutes walk to the beach and Wonga Beach State School. Kids creating a mess won’t be a worry as it’s tiled throughout and every bedroom includes airconditioning as does the open-plan kitchen and living area.

4 Hambling St, Dimbulah is just one of many quality homes in Far North Queensland under $250,000.

4 Hambling St, Dimbulah

$225,000

3 bed, 1 bath, 2 car

This well-loved home fits the bill for family friendly living and is ready to move into. It enjoys great street appeal on a large 792sq m corner block, in the heart of Dimbulah and only minutes from the Dimbulah P-10 State School and St Anthony’s primary school. The partly-fenced home includes three airconditioned bedrooms, a breezeway to the side between the house and garage making for a great entertainment area and a large vegetable garden.

37 Kalkuri Cl, Wonga Beach is just one of many quality homes in Far North Queensland under $250,000.

37 Kalkuri Cl, Wonga Beach

$239,000

4 bed, 1 bath, 2 car

A four-bedroom property only metres from the beach, and even closer to the local shops for under $250,000 is a rare find anywhere. This Wonga Beach home is perfect for families on an 808sq m block with no rear neighbours, at the end of a safe and quiet street. The school bus pick up is only 200m down the street. An open-plan living area spills into a side veranda making it great for indoor-outdoor living. And Mossman is only 10 minutes away – the region’s local supply hub.

110 River Avenue, Mighell is just one of many quality homes in Far North Queensland under $250,000.

110 River Avenue, Mighell

$249,000

5 bed, 2 bath, 2 car

This “charming Queenslander” on the riverfront has been fully renovated to include a large timber kitchen with quality new appliances. With five bedrooms, it’s perfect for the modern family with enough room for an office as well as an arts and crafts room. Less than five minutes to the Innisfail CBD, a family would have easy access to all the town’s conveniences while enjoying outdoor living on this 1012sq m block.

13 Riverview Terrace, Mareeba is just one of many quality homes in Far North Queensland under $250,000.

13 Riverview Terrace, Mareeba

$249,000

3 bed, 1 bath, 2 car

This hardwood timber beauty is located less than 1km to both primary schools and shopping centres and after some recent renovations, it’s ready for a family to move in and enjoy their new home. The tidy fenced 850sq m property features freshly polished timber floors, fresh paint to the bedrooms and new airconditioning in the living area. All bedrooms come with built-in cupboards. Outside there is an undercover entertainment area with direct access from the spacious kitchen.

16 Denver St, White Rock is just one of many quality homes in Far North Queensland under $250,000.

16 Denver St, White Rock

$249,000

4 bed, 1 bath, 1 car

Enjoy everything Cairns has to offer just 15 minutes from the CBD on this large four-bedroom home sitting on a 700sq m block. There are multiple public and private schools within five minutes and just across the highway is the Mount Sheridan Plaza, taking care of all shopping needs. The fully fenced property offers enough yard space for the kids or room to expand.

The post Cairns real estate: Here are 10 family homes under $250,000 in FNQ appeared first on realestate.com.au.

10 Thompson St, Tamarama, has a price guide of $11m to $11.5m ahead of a September 19 auction.

The Tamarama house that sold in five days for $11.2m and smashed the suburb record last time it sold has hit the market again.

The Walter Barda-designed five-bedroom, four-bathroom Pavilion House at 10 Thompson St with 180-degree views has been the home of Lynette Rex, wife of retired Ramsay Health Care boss Chris Rex, for just three years.

She bought it from the Bronte Surf Club president Basil Scaffidi and wife Catherine, via Phillips Pantzer Donnelley’s Alexander Phillips, who, unsurprisingly, has picked up the listing again.

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10 Thompson St, Tamarama, has incredible ocean views …

… and a swimming pool.

With the Rexs now downsizing, Phillips is quoting an $11m to $11.5m price guide ahead of a September 19 auction.

Apart from its northerly views of the beach, ocean and Mackenzies Bay, the Hamptons-style beach house features include pool, a dream kitchen and glass-enclosed wine cellar.

There’s a four-car garage with lift access to all three levels.

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The Tamarama market has moved on since 2017, with the suburb record now $15.75m after last year’s sale of the Gaerloch Ave home of Annie Conley, daughter of the late aviation pioneer and philanthropist John Conley, selling for $15.75m to Karen Michael, the daughter of the late property mogul David Burger.

Tech duo selling up

Brett Heil and Patrick O’Rourke and the counders of tech company Currious.

Not quite as salubrious but still within a stroll of both Tamarama and Bronte beach is the apartment of Brett Heil and Patrick O’Rourke, founders of creative/tech company Currious.

The well-positioned two-bedroom apartment with lockup garage at 4/21 Illawong Ave, Tamarama is also considerably more affordable with its $1.4m price guide via The Agency’s Mary Howell.

On the northern side of the Art Deco block of just six, the lounge and sunroom get the morning sun. The dine-in kitchen has a large Ilve gas stove and there’s a north-facing entertainer’s deck with barbecue gas outlet.

4/21 Illawong Avenue, Tamarama, has a price guide of $1.4m. It goes to auction next Saturday.

Other highlights are the timber floors and 2.9m high ceilings.

Heil and O’Rourke, whose company is globally recognised for its VIVID projections on the Opera House and opening ceremonies such as the Commonwealth Games, have owned the apartment for 30 years.

Heil bought the apartment for $180,000 in 1990 and met O’Rourke soon after, who bought in. The couple are now planning to move to Western Australia to be closer to Heil’s family.

O’Rourke says one of the things they love about the apartment is how quiet it is. “It’s just 200m from Bondi Road but you can’t hear the traffic there … you can have the window open and you can hear the surf crashing, that’s how quiet it is.”

The apartment goes to auction on August 22.

Starr and Waitsman’s new venture

Alain Waitsman and Peter Starr are co-principals at Belle Property Double Bay.

Veteran agents Alain Waitsman and Peter Starr have teamed up as co-principals of Belle Property Double Bay.

The duo have a combined 60 years of experience, with Waitsman being associate director at LJ Hooker Double Bay for the past nine years and Starr most recently at Raine and Horne Double Bay before a long career at McGrath.

Waitsman said the new business has come at the ideal time. “The property market has a lot of distraction at the moment, but over the past six months we have seen that real estate is still transacting, especially at the top end of town.”

He said that with people spending more time at home during COVID-19, there was a growing appetite to upsize.

Starr said the principals’ experience set them apart from other agents: “We live and

breathe this area and we have both worked locally for 30 years,” Starr said.

“It’s something that our competitors can’t offer.”

They said they were attracted to Belle Property for its premium marketing.

Waitsman said: “Belle Property is high end brand that is very much aligned with the eastern suburbs.”

Belle Property Double Bay is located at 28 – 34 Cross Street, Double Bay.

Rubinstein and Cohen to star in ‘Selling Sydney’

Gavin Rubinstein to star in ‘Selling Sydney’ with buyer’s agent Simon Cohen.

You might have thought the mooted real estate TV show ‘Elite Agents’ was dead in the water given COVID, but apparently not.

The whisper is the contracts are now sitting with some of the stars, which include Ray White TRG principal Gavin Rubinstein and buyer’s agent Simon Cohen.

Now to be known as ‘Selling Sydney’, it seems set to be screened on Amazon, up against Netflix’s Selling Sunset.

Ray White TRG made three deals of $8.5m last week: Cae Thomas (with Ray White Woollahra’s Randall Kemp) sold in Kambala Road, Bellevue Hill; Rubinstein made another $8.5m Bellevue Hill deal and Oliver Lavers had one in Drummoyne.

RX Global boss sells

95 Balfour Rd, Bellevue Hill, sold for $7.25m

The chairman of electronic manufacturer SRX Global Joe Browne and his wife, Alison, has sold for $7.25m. No. 95 Balfour Road, Bellevue Hill had been on the market for nine months, but the deal was done by Ray White Double Bay’s Elliott Placks and Adam Reichman. There’d originally been hopes of $7.4m.

Placks said: “If a buyer wants to present an offer they should as we’re off the peak but stock levels are limited.”

Gazebo record

A new record for a one-bedder at Gazebo.

And the one-bedroom record has been broken at Sid Londish’s Gazebo in Elizabeth Bay. Richardson & Wrench’s Jason Boon has sold a one-bedder there for $1.45m, bettering the previous record of $1.4m set in February.

Boon and Daphne Sauvage of Sotheby’s also recently sold the Darling Point apartment of former Options trader David Waterhouse for $5.4m in five days this week to an offshore buyer.

The post Tamarama’s Pavillon House hits market with $11m-$11.5m guide appeared first on realestate.com.au.

Steadfield Melton South has homes priced at half Melbourne’s median.

A Melbourne development is selling houses for less than half the city’s $750,000 median house price.

Steadfield Melton South has homes available for as little as $370,000, which is also $50,000 below the affordable western suburb’s own median house price, according to latest realestate.com.au figures.

With 48 houses on blocks ranging from about 150sq m to 300sq m, the Sphere Group project’s prices top out at $469,500.

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Firm director Tony Bevacqua said they had been popular with young families and couples, with 19 now sold as first-home buyers scored up to $35,000 in government assistance.

“The whole development is targeted at first-home buyers and first-home investors, and given the current situation with COVID-19 and owner-occupier incentives, most are first-home buyers,” Mr Bevacqua said.

Despite this, they had also received strong interest from downsizers in the region.

The development will feature modern home designs at affordable prices.

Low-maintenance garden and living spaces have appealed to first-home buyers.

To be built as an in-fill project on surplus land previously owned by a neighbouring retirement community, the new homes are walking distance from shops, schools, recreation areas and Melton train station.

The houses are also bringing a modern aesthetic to the suburb.

Floating timber floors and good natural light will add to the homes’ charms.

Caesarstone benchtops feature in the homes’ kitchens.

A mix of render and lightweight cement frontages will replace the typical brick facade. Inside, the double-storey floorplans range between 150-185sq m and include three bedrooms, an open-plan living area and a single garage as standard. Larger residences have a second living area upstairs and a double garage.

Caesarstone benchtops, floating timber floors, landscaping and European appliances are all included.

Land is due to be titled in October, construction to start shortly after and residents to move in from about April.

Bathrooms have been designed with a light and bright aesthetic.

Three-bedroom houses cost between $370,000 and $469,500.

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The post Steadfield Melton South selling houses at half Melbourne median appeared first on realestate.com.au.

One Agency director Josh Hart says interstate buyers have set their sights on Launceston. PICTURE CHRIS KIDD

LAUNCESTON is the place to be.

The message has come through in the latest Price Predictor Index from Hotspotting that highlighted the strength of the northern capital rather than Hobart.

Hotspotting director Terry Ryder named Launceston among the national Top 10 best performing municipalities and described it as the “standout market in the state” from “all perspectives”.

It is not to say the southern district does not have its moments, Howrah was dubbed one of Australia’s most consistent markets, but the spotlight mostly remained on the north.

Kings Meadows in Launceston has rising sales activity, per Hotspotting.

Terry’s research revealed six Launceston suburbs that — despite COVID-19 — have a trend of rising sales activity: Kings Meadows, Mowbray, Newstead, South Launceston, Waverley and Youngtown.

He said most of this group had median house prices below $350,000.

“Launceston and neighbouring areas also comprise a standout precinct for annual price growth,” he said.

“Waverley rose by 17 per cent and Youngtown by 18 per cent alongside Riverside, Invermay, Kings Meadow, Newnham and Trevallyn that each recorded double-digit annual growth in their median prices.”

Talk to Launceston agents and the property buzz in the city becomes clear. A trend to keep an eye on, the impending influx of interstate buyers.

In Situ Property owner Kristi Seymour said her business had experienced a large amount of inquiry from interstate people wanting to get to Tassie.

“We have been conducting FaceTime inspections and using 3D walk-through tours to assist those wanting to buy, but are unable to travel,” Kristi said.

“The general feeling is people are seeing Tasmania as a safe haven.”

She said there had been renewed interest in properties above the $1m mark, the majority from people relocating.

“Many properties we have available are selling within a week or so, often under multiple offer conditions,” she said.

One Agency Launceston director Josh Hart said if Tassie was to open its borders tomorrow, the effect on the market would be significant.

Josh said Victorian, NSW and Queensland buyers wanted to relocate and were busy making those plans for when the time was right.

“And it is not just retirees, people want to move there families here,” he said.

“They want to come and live in a more community orientated location.”

However, Josh said Greater Launceston currently had the lowest stock level that it had in 20 years.

“Rental prices have gone up significantly in the past 18 months, too,” he said.

“A lot of people now are thinking that rentals are strong, money is cheap and vacancy rates are low, so instead of selling our first home lets rent it and use the equity that we have built up to buy home No.2.”

The post There is a lot to love in Launceston appeared first on realestate.com.au.

A sunken lounge offers a sense of arrival. Picture: Katherine Lu

Church Point on the Northern Beaches is renowned for its picturesque views, and this steep block down to a deep water frontage was certainly in a prized location.

The old timber cottage that stood on the site may have been purposeful as an occasional holiday home, but one savvy couple saw its potential for so much more.

Engaging architectural firm CHROFI (the name is taken from partners John Choi, Tai Ropiha and Steven Figherato) to design their new home, the purpose was two-fold. The owners could use a section of the property as their residence on the ground floor, while the floor above could serve as a bed and breakfast.

The house at Church Point slowly reveals itself. Picture: Katherine Lu

Either way, the empty nesters would have plenty of room to welcome family and friends.

CHROFI associate architect Fraser Mudge says the steep 800sq m site’s views were extraordinary.

“Obviously it’s a beautiful part of the world with amazing views, and the first thought is, ‘How do we make the most of those views?’,” says Fraser.

Fraser and his team designed a dwelling which is split in two, connected by a sunken lounge dug into the earth.

The living space enjoys breathtaking water views. The owners have plans for a bed and breakfast. Picture: Katherine Lu

The owners had spent some time in New Zealand and South Africa and wanted their new home to reflect that.

“It’s a very difficult thing to articulate, but it’s a sense of who they are and the design should reflect that,” says Fraser.

“They also had a strong desire to work with off-form concrete, so materialistically we used that as a starting point.”

Concrete and timber have been used extensively in this project. Picture: Katherine Lu

The land, which slopes dramatically to the shore, would make the build challenging. But the design process was also hampered by mature spotted gum trees with deep roots.

Council allowed some of the trees to be removed, but others required a workaround.

“We did remove a couple of larger ones but one of them that had to stay was not located in the most appropriate position,” says Fraser. “Nevertheless, it made for an interesting design — the suspended driveway curves around the tree.”

The carport has also been left open from the street, allowing passers-by to sneak a look down to the water’s edge.

The bathrooms offer access to natural light as well as privacy. Picture: Katherine Lu

While off-form concrete plays an integral part in this build, the design has been softened visually with joinery in spotted gum.

“The joinery is very detailed and reduced, but beautifully finished,” says Fraser. “It’s juxtaposed perfectly against the off-form concrete. The owners were heavily involved, but open to ideas. The best work is done on projects where there is healthy collaboration.”

Photos: Katherine Lu

THE PROJECT

Owners: A couple of empty nesters

Architect: Fraser Mudge, associate architect, CHROFI, chrofi.com

The brief: To build a property that could work as a stand-alone home at ground level and/or a bed and breakfast above

The site: A steep 800sq m site

Design solution: Two pavilions joined by sunken lounge

How long did it take: 15 months

THE SOURCE

Builder Graybuilt, graybuilt.com.au

Interior Design Triibe, wearetriibe.com

Joinery Fine Earth Joinery, fineearthjoinery.com.au

Structural engineer TTW (Taylor Thomson Whitting), ttw.com.au

The post Northern beaches timber cottage transformed into modern home appeared first on realestate.com.au.

IT’S got a commercial pizza oven, firepit, gym and pontoon but it’s the wine cellar that really stands out in this Gold Coast house.

Home to the Atkins family for 18 years, the luxury compound in Sorrento is deceptively discreet from the street.

39 Campbell St, Sorrento is on the market through an expressions of interest campaign.

“It was very deceptive from the front but the water reach instantly appealed,” vendor Michael Atkins said.

“You’ve got privacy, because you’re not looking across into neighbours. Instead you have unimpeded views of trees, the water and a north orientation.”

The wine cellar at 39 Campbell St, Sorrento is something else!

The entertainer features an alfresco terrace with a commercial pizza oven, pool, waterside firepit plus a pontoon, sandy beach, boat ramp and boat shed.

And don’t forget the 1500 bottle temperature-controlled wine cellar with double glazing, insulation, a pressed metal ceiling and LED lighting.

“It’s been fantastic for entertaining,” Mr Atkins said.

“We’ve hosted big parties here of over 100 people.”

“This house copes beautifully for that, especially the wine cellar – that will be hard to leave.”

Style at every turn.

Anchored 50m from the river, the property offers the best of both worlds, according to Mr Atkins.

“We can soak up rivers views without wake damage or boat noise,” he said.

The house, which has been renovated twice during their tenure, is on the market through an expressions of interest campaign.

Eoghan Murphy and Michael Kollosche are the listings agents.

The post Gold Coast house with epic wine cellar on the market appeared first on realestate.com.au.

Point House, Parrot Cay, BWI Turks And Caicos Islands. Supplied by Christie’s International Real Estate

Is there anything better than having a stickybeak at how the other half live?

The feedback we get from the readers of our Dream Homes pages in The Advertiser’s Real Estate Magazine each week would suggest that no, there isn’t.

And, with examples like the ones below, it’s not hard to see why everyone loves looking at a bit of ‘property porn’.

So kick back and take a trip with us through three of the most stunning homes currently on the market around the world – one of which you won’t even need a passport to visit.

Enjoy!

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Point House, Parrot Cay, BWI Turks And Caicos Islands. Supplied by Christie’s International Real Estate

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS

I’ve filled this section over the past few years with declarations of love for timber joinery. I’ve pined over open spaces and properties with enough land for me to pretty much just run amok in. So it should come as no surprise that I’m more than a bit taken by this Parrot Cay property.

Point House, Parrot Cay, BWI Turks And Caicos Islands. Supplied by Christie’s International Real Estate

Soaring ceilings? Check. Timber everywhere you look? Check. Minimalist design? Check. Neighbours far enough away that I can do what I want, when I want while wearing as much or as little as I want? Check.

Point House, Parrot Cay, BWI Turks And Caicos Islands. Supplied by Christie’s International Real Estate

Offering more than 2000sqm of living space, the home (which kind of looks like a massive sauna) is one of just 12 on the island and was designed by world-renowned architect Cheong Yew Kuan.

Point House, Parrot Cay, BWI Turks And Caicos Islands. Supplied by Christie’s International Real Estate

It’s got a Bali lava stone pool, hand-carved furniture, hand-carved limestone bathtubs and is set next to a nature reserve and a short walk from a private sandy beach. What’s holding me back? Oh that’s right. The price …

$21.7 million.

Medieval tower on the Trasimeno lake, Umbria. Supplied by Christie’s International Real Estate.

TRASIMENO LAKE, UMBRIA

OK, so I have to admit, my excitement in this property is somewhat misplaced. I misread Trasimeno Lake as Tiramisu and, being somewhat hungry, put the cart before the horse a little. As it turns out, I’ve lucked out, because while this property doesn’t satisfy my sweet tooth, it does has everything I look for in a dream home.

Medieval tower on the Trasimeno lake, Umbria. Supplied by Christie’s International Real Estate.

Plenty of timber, plenty of exposed stone, more than a few fireplaces, a stack of history and set on a block that would give me more than enough room to go shirtless and feral. Built in 1363, the building was at one time used as a defensive fortress before being abandoned in the 17th century and later turned into a private residence.

Medieval tower on the Trasimeno lake, Umbria. Supplied by Christie’s International Real Estate.

I can see it now – me gathering a group of merry men as we quit our jobs, drink mead, take up falconry and declare war on the nearest neighbour – who’s actually quite a nice bloke called Terry who’s bought himself a small hobby farm to just escape the rat race and slow things down a little, and brew some small-batch kombucha on the side for some pocket money. We go on to be the best of friends. Yeah, I think this will work out well …

Price not disclosed

911 Coolangatta Road, Lunawanna. Supplied by First National.

LUNAWANNA, TASMANIA

This week, our search for an Australian dream home takes us to (drum roll to build suspense …) TASMANIA!

Regular readers of our paper’s Luxe section will have suspected that was coming, as, given the eastern states have their hands well and truly full with coronavirus, it’s probably best we steer clear of them, even if in image form. Can’t be to careful these days. The virus doesn’t discriminate …

911 Coolangatta Road, Lunawanna. First National.

Anyway, this week our hunt takes us to gorgeous Bruny Island in Tasmania, famed for its rich agricultural land, fresh air, laid-back lifestyle and its 1998 Over 80s World Calisthenics Championship-winning team. OK, so I got a little carried away again, but this place is a cracker.

911 Coolangatta Road, Lunawanna. First National.

It’s set on 39.56ha of unspoilt land and has three premium self-contained residences across its sprawling landscape. Known as Hundred Acre Hideaway, it’s actually a hot tub retreat. You know what that means, people? That’s right! Clothes will come off, Lagavulin 16 shall be drank, and Steinbeck will be read. And I’m not coming out until I’m properly shrivelled. Like ‘old lady from Titanic’ shrivelled. Go pruney or go home, I believe is the expression.

911 Coolangatta Road, Lunawanna. First National.

There’s no word on whether this place comes with a hot tub time machine – let’s go ahead and assume it doesn’t because there’s no mention of it in the ad.

Still a good deal though …

$1.1 million

Compiled by Tom Bowden

All overseas properties for sale through Christie’s International Real Estate. Christiesrealestate.com

The post Dream homes: See inside the world’s most amazing properties appeared first on realestate.com.au.

The Veronicas are selling their property in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. Image supplied.

AUSTRALIAN singing sensations The Veronicas are selling their tropical oasis in the Sunshine Coast hinterland where they worked on their new album.

Lisa and Jessica Origliasso bought the sprawling Landsborough property for $695,000 in 2019 when they moved back to Queensland from Los Angeles.

The Veronicas are selling this property in Landsborough, in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, complete with an outdoor hot tub.

The remote location has been perfect for reflecting, creating their latest music and keeping a low profile, although the pop duo is frequently spotted around Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

Speaking exclusively to The Courier-Mail, Lisa and Jess said they were reluctantly relocating and looking for a buyer for their hidden retreat.

The homestead on the property has recently been renovated.

“It has been a dream living on the Sunshine Coast, so close to Australia Zoo, and amongst the most beautiful hiking trails and beaches in the world,” the girls said.

The chart-toppers say they love the privacy of the property and the architectural features of the house, along with the ability to grow vegetables and fruit trees, have dogs and chickens, and still only be 40 minutes from Brisbane CBD.

The property contains a shed and studio with a sleep-out and ensuite.

It’s been the perfect place to quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have been focusing on time with family, growing our own food, cooking, home renovations, and finishing our album of course, too,” they said.

This studio, which is separate to the house, could be used as a home gym.

“We have really appreciated having the land to ground us daily, the hot tub, and the privacy.

“We have been so blessed to have such an inspiring home to live in and create in during this time.”

The Veronicas’ property is in Landsborough in the Sunshine Coast hinterland.

While they admit the pandemic has had an impact on the Australian music industry, they have learned to adapt to the situation.

“For us it’s about staying grateful for the opportunity to grow in new ways, spending time grounded in one place for the first time in 15 years, and continuing to stay inspired and flexible.

The homestead has a large balcony overlooking lush lawns and gardens.

“Nothing in life is permanent, so being present and kind is what is most important.”

The Veronicas are about to release their first album in six years, Human, and have just launched their latest single, Biting My Tongue.

Inside the house The Veronicas are selling in Landsborough.

When asked what fans can expect from the album, the girls replied: “Our fans know to expect the unexpected.”

Their rural retreat is for sale with John Stamp, principal and lead agent at Belle Property Sunshine Coast.

One of the bathrooms inside the home.

The homestead has three bedrooms and two bathrooms, and sits on a huge 2773sqm of land, on the edge of a national park.

The house has recently been renovated and features a master bedroom with his and hers walk-in wardrobes and an ensuite with twin basins and a rain shower.

The kitchen features gas cooking, stone benchtops and brass hardware.

The kitchen features gas cooking, stone benchtops and beautiful brass hardware.

There is also an undercover deck that offers an outdoor kitchen and entertaining space overlooking the yard.

The master bedroom features his and hers walk-in wardrobes and an ensuite with twin basins and a rain shower.

When the girls were in need of some relaxation, they just hopped in the five-seat, outdoor cedar hot tub.

And who needs a recording studio when you have a 168 sqm shed to convert into the perfect space to belt out a tune.

A close-up of the ensuite, which features twin basins, a rain shower and a circular freestanding bath.

Next to the shed is a studio room with an automated roller door, sleep-out and ensuite.

Jess and Lisa said they were considering investing in Queensland real estate again now they “have a taste for architecture, interior design and renovations”.

“We are really interested in continuing down that path for future real estate opportunities.”

The kitchen and living area features a fireplace for those cool evenings.

The post Pop stars The Veronicas selling their QLD hinterland hideaway appeared first on realestate.com.au.

No. 432 King St at Newtown is set to go to auction on August 29.

Savvy buyers are gearing up to have a crack at a rare shop front in the heart of the Newtown’s King St.

The building has three bedrooms and is being offered for the first time in more than 30 years.

With a $1.35 million guide, 432 King St at Newtown sits on 167sqm and is due to go to auction on August 29.

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The shop front.

The property is one of the first listings for Adrian William — a new agency started by local real estate agents Adrian Tsavalas and William Pereira.

Mr Tsavalas said the property is unlike anything that has been for sale on King St in recent memory.

“It has been several years since a single street shop and residence has sold on the Newtown strip,” he said.

There is a small courtyard at the rear.

An upstairs bedroom.

The property is described as an entry-level opportunity to get a foot into the lucrative King St market, and is set to appeal to investors and those looking to run a business out of it.

Spread across three levels and with the shopfront separate from the residential area, the property also enables the purchaser multiple income streams.

“An investor could easily reconfigure the floorplan to get three income streams from the shop, upstairs and the rear studio,” Mr Tsavalas said.

The rear office.

The lower ground has a studio, laundry and kitchen, while the first floor has two bedrooms.

A shop front, second kitchen and a back office can be found on the ground floor of the premises.

The unique listing comes at a time when real estate agents are reporting strong buyer turnout at open homes.

“For every property we show at the moment, we are still getting two to three qualified buyers who are ready to make a move,” Mr Tsavalas said.

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The post Newtown shop on King St offering buyers a savvy opportunity for multiple income streams appeared first on realestate.com.au.