Residential November 2020 - Herron Todd White

Page created by Casey Hawkins
 
CONTINUE READING
Residential November 2020 - Herron Todd White
Residential
November 2020
Residential November 2020 - Herron Todd White
National Property Clock: Houses
                                                                                                                                                         Month in Review
                                                                                                                                                         November 2020

      Entries coloured orange indicate positional change from last month.

                                                                                   Albury               Burnie/Devenport Hobart
                                                                                   Barossa Valley       Canberra         Launceston
                                                                                   Bathurst             Dubbo            Tamworth

                                                                                                          PEAK OF
                                                                                                          MARKET
                                                         Geelong
                                                   Sunshine Coast
                                                                                         Approaching                     Starting to      Wodonga
                                                                                         Peak of Market                     Decline

                                                                                                                                                                      RESIDENTIAL
                   Adelaide             Karratha
               Adelaide Hills            Lismore
          Ballina/Byron Bay              Mackay
              Coffs Harbour               Mildura
                     Emerald      Mount Gambier                                    RISING                                     DECLINING      Melbourne
                  Gladstone         Port Hedland                                   MARKET                                       MARKET       Sydney
                 Gold Coast        Rockhampton
                 Hervey Bay          Shepparton
                    Illawarra Southern Highlands

                              Brisbane           Perth                                   Start of                     Approaching         Geraldton
                                 Cairns South West WA                                    Recovery                 Bottom of Market        Kalgoorlie
                          Central Coast    Toowoomba                                                                                      Sydney
                                 Darwin      Townsville
                                                                                                        BOTTOM OF
                                Ipswich    Whitsunday
                             Newcastle
                                                                                                         MARKET

                                                                                                    Albany        Broome
                                                                                                    Alice Springs Bundaberg

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.
This report is not intended to be comprehensive or render advice and neither
Herron Todd White nor any persons involved in the preparation of this report
accept any form of liability for its contents.

                                                                                                                                                               27
Residential November 2020 - Herron Todd White
National Property Clock: Units
                                                                                                                                                            Month in Review
                                                                                                                                                            November 2020

      Entries coloured blue indicate positional change from last month.

                                                                                   Adelaide Hills      Bathurst         Launceston
                                                                                   Albury              Burnie/Devenport Tamworth
                                                                                   Barossa Valley      Hobart

                                                                                                        PEAK OF
                                                                                                        MARKET
                                                     Geelong
                                               Sunshine Coast                          Approaching                    Starting to    Wodonga
                                                                                       Peak of Market                    Decline

                                                                                                                                                                         RESIDENTIAL
                    Adelaide                          Lismore
           Ballina/Byron Bay                           Mackay
               Coffs Harbour                       Mt Gambier                                                                            Canberra Perth
                      Dubbo                      Port Hedland                      RISING                               DECLINING        Melbourne Sydney
                   Gladstone                     Rockhampton                       MARKET                                 MARKET         Newcastle
                  Hervey Bay                       Shepparton
                    Karratha

                       Brisbane           Illawarra                                    Start of                     Approaching
                          Cairns            Mildura                                                                                  Central Coast
                                                                                       Recovery                 Bottom of Market
                         Darwin     South West WA                                                                                    Geraldton
                        Emerald Southern Highlands                                                                                   Kalgoorlie
                                                                                                      BOTTOM OF
                      Gold Coast        Townsville
                                                                                                       MARKET

                                                                                                    Albany        Ipswich
                                                                                                    Alice Springs Toowoomba
                                                                                                    Broome        Whitsunday
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.                    Bundaberg
This report is not intended to be comprehensive or render advice and neither
Herron Todd White nor any persons involved in the preparation of this report
accept any form of liability for its contents.

                                                                                                                                                                  28
Residential November 2020 - Herron Todd White
New South Wales
                                                                                                                                                                      Month in Review
                                                                                                                                                                      November 2020

CEO’S ADDRESS
It’s been an eventful few weeks globally, nationally    relief. There are still many milestones to come, but   ◗ Sydney–Prestige property shows resilience in the
and here at Herron Todd White.                          Australia’s handling of the pandemic continues to        face of the pandemic;
Firstly, congratulations to the team at our national    be envied around the world.                            ◗ Melbourne–The upper price sector has been
office on winning the Australian Property Institute’s   Other significant events in October and November         adversely impacted by the state’s lockdowns;
2020 Innovation in Property award for the               were election based.                                   ◗ Brisbane–Interest from interstate buyers is
development of our Contactless Inspection Tool.         Queensland’s Labour Party comfortably retained           surging in the capital and nearby lifestyle
It’s significant recognition of this game-changing      government – an outcome predicted by many – and          localities.
innovation, and we couldn’t be prouder.                 will be at the helm for four more years.               ◗ In the commercial section this month, our valuers
I’m also delighted to welcome previous                  And, of course, the US election has delivered a          have discussed the performance of the industrial
Queensland Valuer-General, Neil Bray, to Herron         result with President-Elect Joe Biden receiving          sector during 2020. Some key findings include:

                                                                                                                                                                                   RESIDENTIAL
Todd White. Neil has joined us as Queensland            widespread congratulations for his win. The world      ◗ Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane–The industrial
Head of Government and Corporate Relations.             will undoubtedly continue to focus on his response       property sector proves to be one of the country’s
Neil’s experience, reputation and networks are          to the challenges facing America in the coming           most resilient commercial markets under
unparalleled, and his appointment heightens             months and years.                                        COVID-19;
Herron Todd White’s already formidable leadership
                                                        And now, on to this month’s residential section of     ◗ Adelaide–It was the year of “accelerated agility”,
role in the industry.
                                                        the report.                                              particularly in logistics and warehousing.
Since our last issue of Month In Review, Australia
                                                        Each November, our residential teams provide an        Please enjoy the residential
has remained on the path to recovery, with
                                                        annual review of their prestige property markets,      section of our November
falling infection rates in Victoria and successful
                                                        including a comprehensive list of significant sales    edition of Month In Review.
control measures in New South Wales heralding
                                                        and rentals. It’s an important discussion given this
a reopening of borders and freeing up of trade.
                                                        sector often telegraphs important shifts in the
In fact, Victoria’s lifting of restrictions in the                                                             Gary Brinkworth
                                                        wider market.
past 48hours allowing metro residents to travel                                                                CEO
unfettered through the state and businesses to          Some notable stories from this month’s residential
increase capacities has brought a huge sense of         section include:

       Since our last issue of Month In Review, Australia has remained on the path to recovery, with falling
       infection rates in Victoria and successful control measures in New South Wales heralding a reopening
       of borders and freeing up of trade.

                                                                                                                                                                            29
Residential November 2020 - Herron Todd White
Month in Review
Overview
                                                                                                                                                                    November 2020
Despite 2020’s extraordinary events, many
sectors within of the nation’s residential markets
have performed well... and it surprised plenty of
stakeholders.

One segment that proved incredibly resilient in
many locations was prestige real estate.

As we do each November, our teams around
Australia present a rundown of their prestige
markets, delivering an assessment of performance
as well as a summary of their area’s most
significant sales, listings and rentals.

Sydney
Traditionally in Sydney, prestige properties
have been seen as those with a value of over $3        28 Ruby Street, Mosman                                                                  Source: CoreLogic

                                                                                                                                                                                 RESIDENTIAL
million. With market movement over the past
decade however, we now generally consider              to sell properties and many of those adopted       a six-car basement garage including turntable.
prestige properties to be those with a value of at     were already well established in the prestige      Site improvements include expansive established
least $5 million.                                      market. Off-market transactions, inspections by    grounds, full sized tennis court and swimming pool.
                                                       appointment rather than open homes, enlisting a
During the market downturn from mid-2017 to                                                               On the back of this stellar start to 2020 we also
                                                       buyer’s agent, and conducting video inspections
mid-2019, the top quartile of properties in Sydney                                                        saw the proposed listing of 8 Burran Avenue,
                                                       with an agent for overseas and expat buyers
saw the largest declines in value. However, the                                                           Mosman with expectations of around $23 million.
                                                       have all been utilised in the prestige space for
small sub-section that properties above $5 million                                                        This property is positioned on a waterfront
                                                       some time.
represents actually held up well during that period                                                       escarpment allotment with expansive and
with minimal to no declines.                           North Shore                                        uninterrupted views over Middle Harbour towards
                                                       On the Lower North Shore, 28 Ruby Street,          North Head.
Similarly, the prestige market this year has so far,
                                                       Mosman sold at the start of February this year
in the main, managed to withstand any impact on                                                           As COVID-19 started to become a serious issue
                                                       for $22 million. This sale was an exciting start
prices due to COVID-19. While transactions slowed                                                         and the potential economic impacts were
                                                       to the year and was expected to set the tone
substantially in the months following the March                                                           becoming clear, the owner reportedly decided
                                                       for the surrounding prestige market which had
lockdown, the past three months have seen sales                                                           it was best to withdraw the property from the
                                                       been rather subdued throughout 2019. The
activity increasing with some strong results also                                                         market. The property was subsequently re-
                                                       property is positioned on a 1792 square metre
being achieved.                                                                                           listed at the end of July and is currently for sale
                                                       allotment with distant Harbour Bridge and
                                                                                                          marketed as price upon request. This will be a
The wider property market saw a significant            Opera House views.
                                                                                                          good litmus test of current confidence in the high-
impact from the March and April restrictions on
                                                       The grand four-level residence comprises six-      end prestige market compared to the start of the
open for inspections and on-site auctions. This
                                                       bedroom, six-bathroom accommodation with           2020 when it was first listed.
impact meant finding different ways of trying

                                                                                                                                                                          30
Residential November 2020 - Herron Todd White
As an example of the changing environment the              and incorporating views of the Sydney Harbour                  Month in Review
                                                            market has experienced this year, we saw the Upper         Bridge, Opera House and city skyline. In addition              November 2020
                                                            North Shore sale of 23 Elva Avenue, Killara for $6.3       to having access to the common swimming pool
                                                            million. This sale occurred on 15 April 2020 in the        and gymnasium, the unit has exclusive access to a
                                                            midst of the New South Wales COVID-19 lock-down            marina berth.
                                                            period. The property was scheduled to be sold
                                                            through an online auction on 16 May with a price
                                                            guide of $5.8 million to $6.3 million, however it
                                                            sold prior to the auction date, in just over a week.
                                                            It was reported that the ex-pat purchaser viewed
 8 Burran Avenue, Mosman               Source: CoreLogic
                                                            the property via a 30-minute FaceTime inspection,
                                                            a true representation of the environment we were
                                                            experiencing at the time.
For those of our readers interested in the celebrity
aspect of prestige property, in 2018 we saw Posh
and Becks rent a contemporary property at 26
Plunket Road, Mosman. This high-profile lease was                                                                       A waterfront apartment at Lavender Bay   Source: CoreLogic
not confidential for long after the couple and their

                                                                                                                                                                                                   RESIDENTIAL
family were spotted at local eateries and shops in
                                                                                                                       Northern Beaches
the surrounding area.
                                                                                                                       The Northern Beaches saw a new record set at
Interestingly, this property recently sold in August                                                                   the start of the year with a $24 million transaction
for a reported price of between $20 and $21                                                                            taking place in Palm Beach. This record only
million. The sale was listed with Belle Property                                                                       lasted six months when Jennifer Hawkins sold her
Mosman and was reportedly on the market                                                                                Newport residence for $24.5 million in August this
for just 72 hours before being sold, a strong                23 Elva Avenue, Killara              Source: CoreLogic   year, again showing the resilience of the high-end
indication of the continued confidence in the high-                                                                    prestige market during a supposedly volatile year
end prestige level.                                         Just over the Sydney Harbour Bridge from the               due to the on-going COVID-19 pandemic.
                                                            CBD, in the suburb of Lavender Bay, the high-end
                                                                                                                       The property features a newly constructed, four-
                                                            prestige unit market proved its popularity with the
                                                                                                                       level residence positioned on 3360 square metres
                                                            sale of a waterfront apartment in the Maritima
                                                                                                                       of beachfront land. The original adjoining blocks
                                                            complex for $10.75 million.
                                                                                                                       were purchased in 2014 for $4 million before
                                                            The whole floor, three-bedroom, three-bathroom             large scale site works were undertaken, followed
                                                            unit features a high-end stone kitchen, floor-             by the construction of an architecturally designed
                                                            to-ceiling glass doors, grand foyer and a large            five-bedroom home with expansive views over
                                                            renovated terrace area overlooking Lavender Bay            Pittwater.

 26 Plunkett Road, Mosman              Source: CoreLogic
                                                                    . It was reported that the ex-pat purchaser viewed the property
                                                                    via a 30-minute FaceTime inspection.

                                                                                                                                                                                            31
Residential November 2020 - Herron Todd White
result. After the 2018 sale of Fairwater to Mike              Month in Review
                                                                                                                     Cannon-Brookes set the new benchmark for                      November 2020
                                                                                                                     Australian house prices at $100 million, second
                                                                                                                     place has now gone to a Point Piper property
                                                                                                                     as well, which sold for a reported $95 million in
                                                                                                                     September. The harbourside property, sold through
                                                                                                                     Sotheby’s International Realty, sits on 1800 square
                                                                                                                     metres of land and is configured as two, two-level
                                                                                                                     apartments with shared indoor pool, harbour-
                                                                                                                     front tennis court, deepwater jetty and expansive
 Record Newport sale                   Source: Domain    A Whale Beach prestige holiday rental    Source: Domain
                                                                                                                     harbour views back towards the Opera House and
                                                                                                                     Harbour Bridge.

In terms of the prestige rental market, we have          Eastern Suburbs
seen a significant shift since the onset of the          Prices for prestige properties were increasing
current COVID-19 pandemic. Corporate leases              until March prior to COVID-19. The lockdowns in
which often dominated the high-end rental                late March and early April initially saw a slight
market have been severely impacted due to travel         lowering of prices. Agents of properties marketed

                                                                                                                                                                                                RESIDENTIAL
restrictions and reduced movements. We have              throughout that period advised that offers after
however seen a resurgence in the past few weeks          the lockdowns began were slightly lower than those
of short-term rental demand. This appears to have        they were receiving prior. Since then however,
been fueled by the international and state border        prices have held up quite well compared to pre-
restrictions, forcing people to holiday within New       COVID prices.
South Wales.
                                                         Volumes of prestige sale transactions were                   92 Wolseley Road, Point Piper   Source: Wentworth Courier

Whale Beach and Palm Beach on Sydney’s Northern          subdued throughout autumn however we have seen
Beaches have always been popular getaway                 an increase in activity over the past three months,
destinations and are expected to be in high demand       slightly earlier than the usual early spring increase
over the coming summer holiday period. A                 in activity.
property in Whale Beach is currently listed for rent
                                                         The September quarter this year was significantly
through Belle Property Avalon with an advertised
                                                         more active in prestige property transactions
peak period price of $25,000 per week.
                                                         than the same period in 2019. Across the four
                                                         suburbs and localities we generally see the most
           In terms of the prestige                     transactions of houses above $5 million (Bellevue
                                                         Hill, Vaucluse, Woollahra and Bronte/Tamarama),
            rental market, we have seen                  sales volumes increased by about 75 per cent
            a significant shift since                    compared to last year.                                       92 Wolseley Road, Point Piper           Source: CoreLogic

            the onset of the current                     The harbour side of the eastern suburbs is where
                                                                                                                     Around the peninsular on Wunulla Road, another
            COVID-19 pandemic.                           the $20 million plus sales occur, with Point Piper
                                                                                                                     Point Piper waterfront property sold for $51 million
                                                         not disappointing again with the year’s biggest

                                                                                                                                                                                         32
Residential November 2020 - Herron Todd White
in April. Vaucluse has also seen two large results in         water, providing three bedrooms, all with ensuite              Inner West                                                  Month in Review
September of $24.6 million and around $30 million,            bathrooms, a large terrace and car accommodation               Not necessarily a high-end prestige sale, but a new         November 2020
along the prestigious Vaucluse Road.                          for two cars. Whilst in fairly dated condition, the            record sale price was set for the inner west suburb
                                                              main drawcard is the spectacular harbour views                 of Newtown last month, transacting for $5.8 million.
On the ocean side of the eastern suburbs, there
                                                              encompassing all the major landmarks.                          The property is a two-level factory conversion with
have been some strong sale results over the past
                                                                                                                             a combined internal and external space of 900
few months. Bronte and Tamarama saw two $15                   Other popular harbourside suburbs for prestige
                                                                                                                             square metres. Configured with six-bedroom, four-
million plus sales in September, following on from            units, including Darling Point, Elizabeth Bay and
                                                                                                                             bathroom accommodation and multiple living areas,
the new record Bronte sale in July of $17.9 million,          Potts Point, have all seen good sales activity in
                                                                                                                             there is the possibility of a separate self-contained
topping the 2019 previous record sale of $16.8                the $7 million to $10 million price range this year.
                                                                                                                             area already featuring a second kitchen. A central
million. The property at 57 Gardyne Street sold off-          There have also been some strong CBD sales, with
                                                                                                                             courtyard with swimming pool is the focal point of
market through Phillips Pantzer Donnelley.                    three sales since late May of units with a $13 million
                                                                                                                             the design and car parking consists of two separate
                                                              plus price tag, including Cate Blanchett’s two level,
Nearby to the south, Clovelly set a new price record                                                                         garage entrances, with the ability to accommodate
                                                              400 square metre, five-bedroom unit in the Astor
in June with the $9.9 million sale of 24 Ocean                                                                               up to four vehicles, extremely rare for the high-
                                                              building at 123 Macquarie Street.
Street. The property, a two-year-old home opposite                                                                           density suburb of Newtown.
an oceanfront reserve and around the corner from              Asking rents for prestige properties have generally
                                                                                                                             The property has been ustilised for many purposes
Clovelly Beach, was listed through Phillips Pantzer           come back during 2020, likely as a result of
                                                                                                                             over the years, predominantly as a clothing
Donnelley and comprises five bedrooms, three                  reduced demand for corporate style rentals for

                                                                                                                                                                                                      RESIDENTIAL
                                                                                                                             factory from 1921 until the late 1980s, when it
bathrooms, double garage and inground pool on a               executives from overseas and interstate who have
                                                                                                                             was converted into a residential home. Although
455 square metre allotment.                                   been unable to travel due to COVID-19. An example
                                                                                                                             currently in mostly dated condition throughout,
                                                              of a prestige property recently listed for rent also
                                                                                                                             there is potential to create a showpiece property in
                                                              happens to be on Wolseley Road, Point Piper. The
                                                                                                                             the heart of Newtown.
                                                              modern, two-level penthouse style unit comprising
                                                              three bedrooms plus study, three bathrooms,
                                                              double car space, two terraces and internal lift, is
                                                              currently advertised as being under offer with an
                                                              asking rental of $6000 per week.

 24 Ocean Street, Clovelly       Source: realestate.com.au

The prestige unit market in the east has also seen                                                                            A factory conversion in Newtown       Source: CoreLogic
some very strong recent sale results in the past
few months. One such property was 2/124 Wolseley
                                                                                                                             In Balmain, 1 Campbell Lane, a large harbour front
Road, Point Piper which sold in early October
                                                                                                                             property on 1752 square metres of land, sold at
through Sotheby’s International Realty for $13.025
                                                                                                                             the start of October. The property, comprising a
million. The apartment comprises the whole middle              Point Piper penthouse            Source: realestate.com.au
                                                                                                                             near original, heritage listed, Victorian sandstone
floor of a block of three units set one back from the

                                                                                                                                                                                               33
Residential November 2020 - Herron Todd White
home, was listed through Cobden & Hayson in late                                                                                                                                                Month in Review
September with expectations of around $11 million,                    In the Sutherland Shire, Burraneer has been particularly active                                                           November 2020
well above the previous suburb record of $7.5                         with five $5 million plus waterfront sales since June, four of
million set in 2019.
                                                                      those occurring from late August.
                                                          In the Sutherland Shire, Burraneer has been                              with three sales over $5 million and another six
                                                          particularly active with five $5 million plus                            currently listed for sale with an asking price over
                                                          waterfront sales since June, four of those occurring                     this mark. One of the properties listed for sale, 14-18
                                                          from late August.                                                        Hemers Road, Dural, has an asking price of $13.8
                                                                                                                                   million however has been on and off the market
                                                          The Cronulla prestige unit market has hit new
                                                                                                                                   since 2015.
                                                          heights again this year with two developments
                                                          achieving several $7 million plus off the plan                           As noted in a previous edition, Middle Dural saw
 1 Campbell Lane, Balmain            Source: CoreLogic
                                                          results. A sub-penthouse unit, an amalgamation                           a record-breaking sale in April at 52A Cranstons
                                                          of two units, in the new Ozone building achieved                         Road. This sale occurred during the early stages
                                                          a staggering $10.25 million in May through                               of the COVID pandemic when there were high
Southern Sydney
                                                          Highland Property Group. The unit, with expected                         levels of uncertainty in the market. The property
The prestige market in the Sutherland Shire and St
                                                          completion in 2022, has over 300 square metres                           is a large, executive style, five-bedroom, four-

                                                                                                                                                                                                             RESIDENTIAL
George regions was fairly subdued over the first
                                                          of combined living and outdoor areas with                                bathroom dwelling with a high level of inclusions,
six months of the year before activity increased in
                                                          expansive ocean views. These results show just                           resort style inground pool, alfresco area and full-
late winter.
                                                          how strong this market is, with local downsizers in                      sized tennis court improved upon 1.44 hectares
One early 2020 sale was the record Blakehurst             particular fueling demand.                                               of arable landscaped grounds. The property was
and St George region sale in February of 4                                                                                         sold by William Brush of LJ Hooker Dural for $8.4
Townson Street for $10.65 million through Black                                                                                    million which is a significant result for a sub two-
Diamondz Property. The property comprised a                                                                                        hectare block.
large six-bedroom, eight-bathroom home with 15
car garage, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis court
and waterfront facilities on a massive 3,598 square
metre waterfront lot.

                                                           Artist’s impression of Ozone, Cronulla   Source: The Daily Telegraph

                                                                                                                                    52A Cranstons Road, Middle Dural       Source: LJ Hooker
                                                          Dural
                                                          The Dural and Middle Dural prestige market has
                                                                                                                                   Matthew Halse
 4 Townson Street, Blakehurst        Source: CoreLogic   been reasonably active since COVID-19 lockdowns
                                                                                                                                   Director

                                                                                                                                                                                                      34
Residential November 2020 - Herron Todd White
sold for in excess of $4.75 million dollars each after         with one prospective purchaser and an additional               Month in Review
Southern Highlands                                     languishing on the market for the best part of 12              two families waiting in line to snap up the property           November 2020
Quarter 1 of 2020 saw an atypical level of
                                                       months.                                                        in the event the sales agreement failed to close.
transactions (compared to the 2019 calendar
year) within the prestige sector of the Southern
Highlands, with sale prices remaining relatively
static and no signs of major change in the high end
residential and rural lifestyle segment.

Quarter 2 of 2020 saw the ripple effects of
COVID-19! The start of the lockdown in late March
brought with it an unexpectedly positive impact on
the prestige market for the Southern Highlands as
the area was discovered predominantly by Sydney
purchasers seeking a family home, secondary
residence or weekender style of accommodation           Burradoo prestige                Source: realestate.com.au    Berrima prestige                 Source: realestate.com.au

and lifestyle buyers seeking relief from the urban
and inner city living environment.                     We speculate that a large reason for the surge                 The question for our prestige market as we move
                                                       in activity in the $3 million plus sector is due to            into Quarter 4 of 2020 and beyond is about

                                                                                                                                                                                                  RESIDENTIAL
We had reasonably foreseen this upward trend
                                                       families in Sydney seeing extremely good value                 continued demand and buyer depth and whether
over the medium term (six months) for the region
                                                       for money in the Southern Highlands. Typically, $3             the current move to regional hubs will be sustained,
as working from home became more common
                                                       million wouldn’t be considered the prestige end                thereby driving continued price growth.
due to technological advancements and many
                                                       of the market in Sydney, so when home owners
employees being unable to attend their normal                                                                         For now, we can certainly see it continuing and it
                                                       from the Lower North Shore and eastern suburbs
Sydney offices. What we didn’t foresee, but makes                                                                     could well be that this push has been a long time
                                                       sell up and realise the scale of improvements and
sense, is buyers flocking to the Southern Highlands                                                                   coming, with recent events being the final straw
                                                       land size they can obtain for relatively similar
region to take advantage of the lifestyle NOW given                                                                   for a number of urban dwellers to discover or
                                                       money, it becomes a compelling proposition due to
that overseas travel and family holidays are off the                                                                  rediscover the Southern Highlands and the benefits
                                                       excellent geographical positioning to Sydney and
agenda for most of 2021 at this point. The impact of                                                                  accruing from a rural and regional lifestyle.
                                                       Canberra as well as the region being home to some
this upward trend became very evident early on in                                                                     Tim Stevens
                                                       of the best schools in the state, not to mention
the COVID-19 pandemic and is showing no signs of                                                                      Property valuer
                                                       the predominantly rural landscape, natural beauty
abatement up to the present time.
                                                       and reasonable proximity to the South Coast the
Quarter 2 and Quarter 3 of 2020 have seen              region has to offer. As a result, it is not uncommon
                                                                                                                      Lismore/Casino/Kyogle
                                                                                                                      Residential properties that fit the prestige
multiple sales above $3 million and days on market     practice now to have several bidders from Sydney
                                                                                                                      description in the Kyogle and Casino regions are
for this segment have continued to contract to a       on the same proeprty, with the underbidders
                                                                                                                      relatively rare. For these rural towns, any detached
matter of weeks now for well-located properties.       proactively scouring the region for a home in good
                                                                                                                      house within the residential zoned area achieving a
This has been clearly evidenced by a number of         central or prestige suburb locations.
                                                                                                                      sales figure above $500,000 certainly raises a few
older listings which had been on the market for
                                                       Another recent example was a $4 million plus                   eyebrows. A case in point is the sale recorded at 17
over six months gaining traction and finally selling
                                                       rural residential purchase in Berrima by an eastern            Rous Street, Kyogle for $580,000 in July 2020. A
during this period. By way of example, notable sales
                                                       suburbs family which saw an agreed contract price              turn of the century, Federation style, single level,
included two prestige properties in Burradoo which

                                                                                                                                                                                           35
For larger rural lifestyle properties near Lismore      Month in Review
      A single residential dwelling in the popular heritage suburb of                                          City, Casino and Kyogle, the $1 million-plus price      November 2020
      Girards Hill has just breached the magic $1 million mark.                                                bracket listing is becoming more common for well-
                                                                                                               presented rural lifestyle properties with a plethora
five-bedroom, two-bathroom house with two-car          million mark. Up to this point, the most expensive      of features such as creek or river frontage, elevated
accommodation stands out from the rest having          single residential dwelling sale within the suburbs     rural or mountain views and good quality and range
been updated inside with heritage features such        of Lismore City was in Girards Hill, in June 2019 for   of improvements.
as French doors, high ceilings, coloured window        $880,000, however, the single residential dwelling
                                                                                                               Rental accommodation within Lismore, Casino and
panes and wrap around verandahs. It is in a handy      at 39 James Street, Girards Hill went for $1.005
                                                                                                               Kyogle has continued to tighten with the bulk of the
position to the CBD, schools and shopping.             million. The property is an attractive, timber clad
                                                                                                               rental stock being listed and quickly occupied. At
                                                       Federation homestead which was fully renovated
On the eastern fringe of Casino, the most expensive                                                            a rental range of $250 to $600 per week, there is
                                                       to retain the old character charm with a hint of
residential house sale within the town boundaries                                                              a real sense of competition for the limited supply
                                                       decadence and has a massive, attached rear patio
for 2020 thus far is 20 Country Lane which sold                                                                throughout the region.
                                                       with easy access to enjoy the established gardens.
for $615,000 in August 2020. The property is a                                                                 Vaughan Bell
                                                       In addition, there is a very useful studio situated
modern, timber clad, extremely well maintained                                                                 Property Valuer
                                                       above the two-car detached garage.
and spacious five-bedroom, two-bathroom home
with two-car accommodation located on the banks        Whilst a bit of poetic licence in advertising helps,    Ballina

                                                                                                                                                                                    RESIDENTIAL
of the Richmond River in a quiet lane.                 the prestige property at 136 Pearson Road, Eltham       The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have an
                                                       is NOT in the Byron or Ballina Hinterland but is        interesting impact on the local housing market
Rural residential properties within close proximity
                                                       still within the boundaries of Lismore City Shire,      around the coastal area of Lennox Head to Evans
to Casino and Kyogle usually command the upper
                                                       although the price of $1.65 million achieved in         Head. There is very strong demand for properties
price levels, as they benefit from rural views and
                                                       May 2020 would suggest otherwise! Situated high         which in turn has left agents with an ongoing
having the space and opportunity to go nuts on
                                                       and elevated on a ridgeline, the executive style,       limited supply of properties for sale. Our market
landscaping and ancillary improvements. A very
                                                       rendered brick, four-bedroom, three-bathroom            seems to be mainly influenced by the movement
tidy and well-presented rural residential property
                                                       home embodies the epitome of a rural lifestyle          of people from the major cities and in particular
located on a 6949 square metre site is 7 Tullarook
                                                       with views towards the Nightcap Ranges and              Sydney. This movement has kept property prices at
Grove at Spring Grove which sold for $675,000 in
                                                       surrounding hinterland. The generously scaled           a premium and in some areas has also resulted in a
July 2020. Contemporary in its design with only
                                                       home is well complemented by a large four-bay,          slight increase in values. The building industry has
three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a detached
                                                       Colorbond clad shed with three phase power,             also been given some relief though as the North
three-car garage, the house site affords rural
                                                       additional studio with bathroom, kitchen and deck,      Coast is now in the bubble which allows travel into
residential views to the north-east and is only nine
                                                       established landscaping and an inground, saltwater      and out of Queensland.
kilometres north-east of Casino.
                                                       pool to boot.
                                                                                                               Whilst demand resulting from these capital
Meanwhile, something special has recently
                                                       The reality of the COVID-19 pandemic has actually       city markets has typically been concentrated
happened within the established suburbs of
                                                       been a boost for residential and rural residential      in the more desirable areas of Byron Bay and
Lismore City. As the sound of a shattered glass
                                                       property, particularly within Lismore City, where       the surrounding localities, in more recent years
ceiling permeated throughout the suburbs, we all
                                                       prices and demand have strengthened whilst the          potential purchasers have expanded their searches
just marvelled at the event of the year. A single
                                                       availability of stock is struggling to keep up. It      into the desirable areas of the Ballina Shire, most
residential dwelling in the popular heritage suburb
                                                       seems the market is being dominated by out of           notably Lennox Head, Skennars Head and East
of Girards Hill has just breached the magic $1
                                                       town buyers.                                            Ballina, as well as the rural localities of Newrybar,

                                                                                                                                                                             36
Brooklet, Fernleigh and Tintenbar.
                                                                It is interesting to note that the majority of the properties                                           Month in Review
                                                                                                                                                                        November 2020
Property prices may be impacted once the                        mentioned above have been marketed for in excess of 12 months
mortgage relief and JobKeeper payment have
been lifted. Potential future impacts of COVID                  and in some cases three years.
have left people with uncertainty as to jobs and
incomes looking forward, which we may continue          since 2007 and we recently cracked the $3 million       It is interesting to note that the majority of the
to experience in following years.                       mark for 147 Edinburgh Street, Coffs Harbour at         properties mentioned above have been marketed
Bernard Walter                                          $3.25 million (multi level, architectual dwelling       for in excess of 12 months and in some cases three
Property Valuer                                         with ocean and harbour views located within             years which is also an indicator of the traditional
                                                        the sought-after Jetty precinct). This figure           thinness of this market and the recent increase in
Coffs Harbour                                           indicates the thinness of the Coffs Harbour             demand as a result of the COVID pandemic. The
 Being a regional area, the Coffs Coast realistically   residential prestige market priced greater than         question one must ask is whether these values are
sees the prestige market as starting at the $1          $2 million. Notwithstanding this figure, we are         sustainable or is this a bubble created by a false
million mark which is predominantly driven by out       now experiencing a spike in the prestige market         market driven by the pandemic. The answer to
of town buyers. The largely discretionary type          which has been fuelled by the COVID pandemic.           that is not simple and without a crystal ball, no one
buyer to whom prestige property greater than $1         The changing face of the way we live and work           really knows, other than to comment that this is not
million appeals can be greatly impacted by changed      plus the willingness of city dwellers to relocate       a normal property cycle.

                                                                                                                                                                                     RESIDENTIAL
economic conditions. This market is also heavily        to regional areas to escape COVID restrictions
                                                                                                                As a result of the market primarily being driven
influenced by the performance of the capital city       has created a definite increase in demand. The
                                                                                                                by out of town buyers, personal preferences,
markets as these areas traditionally provide the        majority of this prestige activity has been in the
                                                                                                                presentation and motivation of both the purchasers
majority of buyers for prestige housing on the Coffs    rural residential sector with notable sales including
                                                                                                                and vendors will impact the ultimate sale price and
Coast.                                                  1-9 Tidal Crescent, Moonee Beach for $2.4 million
                                                                                                                can result in wider market parameters than those
                                                        (five dwellings set on 1.22 hectares with extensive
Market conditions have continued to firm for                                                                    experienced for lower priced properties. At this
                                                        estuary views), 123-125 Featherstones Road,
properties over $1 million in recent years which is                                                             point in time, we can only hang on and enjoy the
                                                        Sherwood for $2.4 million (five dwellings on 70
confirmed by the increased sales numbers for both                                                               ride; great if you are a seller, not so good for the
                                                        hectares with extensive infrastructure), 606 Valery
beachside and rural residential properties over $1                                                              buyers.
                                                        Road, Valery for $2.1 million (two dwellings on 51
million, however the majority of sales occur within                                                             Grant Oxenford
                                                        hectares, fully renovated and landscaped) plus
the $1 million to $1.5 million price bracket.                                                                   Property Valuer
                                                        the most recent transaction which has broken
The higher the value, the thinner the market and        all records for rural residential property at $3.3
historically there have been very limited sales over    million for 110 North Island Loop Road, Upper
                                                                                                                Mid North Coast
                                                                                                                As we reported last month, recent months have
$2 million.                                             Orara (prestige architectural dwelling with second
                                                                                                                seen an unexpected recovery in the region’s real
                                                        original cottage set on 42 hectares).
Sale volumes for prestige beachside property                                                                    estate markets with local agents reporting a
in the Coffs Harbour region (encompassing the           The rural township of Bellingen (35 kilometres          lack of stock and high interest from buyers. This
beachside suburbs and townships including Coffs         south-west of Coffs Harbour) is always a strong         appears to be driven by low interest rates and
Harbour, Korora, Sapphire Beach, Emerald Beach,         performer with the out of town market and has           buyers from major capital cities looking to relocate.
Sawtell, Woolgoolga, Safety Beach, Arrawarra            seen four rural residential sales in excess of $1.5     With increased working from home capabilities
Headland, Moonee Beach, Boambee and Mullaway)           million within the past four months.                    for a number or professions, we expect this trend
show a total of 11 sales recorded over $2 million                                                               to continue in the short to medium term. With

                                                                                                                                                                              37
this influx of cashed up, non-local purchasers, we            topic and many buyers have their eyes firmly on the                                                                   Month in Review
have seen the high-end brackets in town together              prize to upgrade to a bigger, better property and                                                                     November 2020
with inland rural residential localities continue             by the looks of the record-breaking properties we
to perform well, with the more sought after and               showcase this month, we can safely say we have
prestige properties achieving prices rarely seen.             house envy.
The increased activity in the higher end appears
                                                              First and most notably, a John Parade beachfront
to be across the market, from riverfront, rural
                                                              residence in Merewether recently sold for $7.25
residential properties, established houses to
                                                              million prior to auction. This sale not only broke
units. One recent sale is 479 Rawdon Island Road,
                                                              records for the local area but for the entire LGA.
Rawdon Island, sold for $2 million.
                                                              Only weeks earlier, the record was set at 10 Ocean
                                                              Street, Merewether, reportedly selling for upwards          38 John Parade, Merewether       Source: domain.com.au

                                                              of $6 million. The selling agent advised there was
                                                              plenty of interest from Sydney buyers, however
                                                              upgrading locals who had been holding out for
                                                              a John Parade residence were lucky enough to
                                                              secure this one.

                                                                                                                                                                                                 RESIDENTIAL
 479 Rawdon Island Road, Rawdon Island   Source: CoreLogic

 We anticipate this uppermost bracket to continue
to perform well given the expectation of low
interest rates into the future and the continued
exodus from the capital cities.
Adam Lipscombe
Property Valuer
                                                                                                                          38 John Parade, Merewether       Source: domain.com.au
Newcastle
What a year for the prestige market in the
                                                                                                                         A record unit sale was also achieved for Newcastle
Newcastle region! Despite the COVID-19 tribulations            38 John Parade, Merewether       Source: domain.com.au   this year, with one of the penthouses in the York
that have hit the world hard this year, the prestige
                                                                                                                         apartment building selling for a staggering $5.45
market in our region has held up surprisingly well
with strong interest in some spectacular high-
end properties. We’ve seen record prices being
smashed across the board and agents indicating
                                                                         Despite the COVID-19 tribulations that have hit the world hard this
they have buyers ready and impatiently waiting                           year, the prestige market in our region has held up surprisingly
for more to hit the market. Upgrading is now a hot                       well with strong interest in some spectacular high-end properties.

                                                                                                                                                                                          38
million in July. Located on Newcastle Beach, the                                                                                           for easy boat access and is the highest waterfront            Month in Review
views from the penthouse are endless with wrap-                                                                                            sale on the eastern side of the lake.                         November 2020
around views of Nobbys headland, the harbour,
multiple beaches and the Wattagan Mountains.

                                                                    191 Soldiers Point Road, Salamander Bay   Source: realestate.com.au

                                                                                                                                            148 Ross Street, Belmont        Source: realestate.com.au

 1201/61 Shortland Esplanade, Newcastle   Source: domain.com.au

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      RESIDENTIAL
                                                                    191 Soldiers Point Road, Salamander Bay   Source: realestate.com.au

                                                                   In the Lake Macquarie area, a number of suburbs                          148 Ross Street, Belmont        Source: realestate.com.au
                                                                   performed well above expectations this year. As
                                                                   mentioned in the August edition, a waterfront
 1201/61 Shortland Esplanade, Newcastle   Source: domain.com.au                                                                           In the Hunter Valley, one of the most esteemed
                                                                   property in Eraring sold for $6 million which was
                                                                                                                                           properties sold this year for $6.9 million. Known as
                                                                   well over the previous Lake Macquarie record of
In Port Stephens, north of Newcastle, a record was                                                                                         Loggerheads, the property is set on 40 hectares
                                                                   $4.25 million set in January 2020.
set in Salamander Bay in January this year. Located                                                                                        and is rumoured to have been purchased fully
on the crystal clear waters of Port Stephens, the                  The record set in January was the sale of the                           furnished by a well-known Australian model.
views are breathtaking from this prestige property                 former Newcastle Lord Mayor’s lakefront property
                                                                                                                                           The selling agent advised that this property has
which sold for $4.775 million. The highest sale in                 in Belmont. The unique property, set on half an acre
                                                                                                                                           always been highly pursued for its privacy and
2019 was $3.5 million just ten months earlier.                     of land, has a private jetty, boat shed and slipway
                                                                                                                                           provenance, being rich in wine history as the
                                                                                                                                           former home of the late winemaker Len Evans
       The record set in January was the sale of the former Newcastle                                                                      and before that, the Tyrrell family. The extensive
       Lord Mayor’s lakefront property in Belmont.                                                                                         landscaping was designed by Paul Bangay who is a
                                                                                                                                           well-regarded garden designer in Australia, adding

                                                                                                                                                                                                               39
to the prestige of the property. The homestead                this trend in the prestige market continues.            Close, Terrigal selling for $4.162 million on 11 May            Month in Review
consists of three adjoining pavilions surrounded by           Liz McAllister                                          and 65 Forresters Beach Road, Forresters Beach                  November 2020
a collection of outbuildings, established vineyard            Property Valuer                                         selling for $5.2 million on 10 July as reported by
and elevated 360 degree views over the valley.                                                                        CoreLogic RPData. These homes are located along
                                                              Central Coast Region                                    the coastline and exude architectural brilliance with
                                                              The Central Coast has a diverse supply of prestige      endless ocean views to match.
                                                              properties, ranging from beachfront homes
                                                              hugging the sandy shores from Pearl Beach in
                                                              the south stretching to Norah Head in the north
                                                              to rural lifestyle properties hidden away in the
                                                              natural valleys of Matcham and Holgate. Our rural
                                                              region to the west of the M1 motorway, located
                                                              in Mount White, Mangrove Mountain, Kulnura
                                                              and Yarramalong, should not be forgotten with
                                                              property owners of large rural holdings and horse
 97 Palmers Lane, Pokolbin       Source: realestate.com.au   stud farms calling this area home.

                                                              The year so far has been one of uncertainty and          21 John Gray Close, Terrigal                 Source: RPData

                                                                                                                                                                                                   RESIDENTIAL
                                                              unfamiliarity with the emergence of COVID-19,
                                                              however by looking through the wise lens of
                                                              hindsight, the prestige market on the Central
                                                              Coast has shown resilience to date with sustained
                                                              confidence throughout these uncertain times.
                                                              Local agents have been rather buoyed by the level
                                                              of demand and are reporting increased buyer
                                                              enquiry from Sydneysiders mixed in with stable
                                                              local buyer interest. One reason for the increased
                                                              interest from potential Sydney buyers is the change
 97 Palmers Lane, Pokolbin       Source: realestate.com.au   in workplace environments with the working from
                                                              home movement in some professions widening the
These record sales have shown that there is strong            pool of buyers for the region.                           65 Forresters Beach Road, Forresters Beach   Source: RPData

demand for properties in the Newcastle and Hunter
                                                              Over the course of the year, we’ve seen some of
regions in this prestige category. Newcastle is the                                                                   For the astute buyers out there who are looking
                                                              the most impeccably presented homes the region
second largest city in New South Wales and with                                                                       to potentially purchase a prestige property on the
                                                              has to offer transact, with the likes of 21 John Gray
strong population growth rates predicted, we hope                                                                     Central Coast, look no further than 30 South Pacific

           The Central Coast has a diverse supply of prestige properties, ranging from beachfront homes hugging
           the sandy shores from Pearl Beach in the south stretching to Norah Head in the north to rural lifestyle
           properties hidden away in the natural valleys of Matcham and Holgate.

                                                                                                                                                                                           40
Drive, Macmasters Beach. According to CoreLogic                                                                       listings in Wollongong’s northern suburbs over $3.5            Month in Review
                                                               Illawarra
RPData, local agent Cathy Baker from Belle                                                                            million. If an exquisite beachside pad is of interest,         November 2020
                                                               Despite the pandemic, the prestige market in the
Property Killcare is currently listing this property                                                                  you can head south to Gerroa where a property on
                                                               Illawarra has performed well throughout 2020.
for sale at a price it commands (guide $5.5 million).                                                                 Stafford Street has just been listed in the $4 million
                                                               As property prices have risen over the years, so
The property is located on the Macmasters Beach                                                                       range. In Barrengarry, a supreme six-bedroom,
                                                               has the prestige price point. When we talk about
headland, spread over a little over one hectare,                                                                      four-bathroom home on two and a half acres
                                                               beachside homes, the Illawarra appears to have
boasting an architecturally designed single level                                                                     is listed for approximately $5 million. Superbly
                                                               a price ceiling of around $4 million, however this
residence with its own heated pool, games room,                                                                       presented, the property includes a tennis court,
                                                               price point has recently been breached with a sale
bocce court and putting and pitching greens for the                                                                   pool and spa.
                                                               in Woodland Avenue, Thirroul for $4.125 million,
keen golfers.
                                                               the house having been listed for sale for over a
                                                               year and finally finding the right buyer, indicating
                                                               the strength of this market in our region at the
                                                               moment. We have seen the following number
                                                               of sales of coastal properties over $3 million in
                                                               2020: Stanwell Park – 1; Clifton – 1; Thirroul – 2;
                                                               Minnamurra – 1; Kiama – 2; Gerroa – 1.

                                                               For those looking for a bit more land, the rural

                                                                                                                                                                                                  RESIDENTIAL
                                                               residential prestige market has also been active in
 30 South Pacific Drive, Macmasters Beach    Source: RPData
                                                               2020. The year kicked off with a $3.84 million sale
                                                               in Russell Vale of a four-bedroom, three-bathroom       Barrengarry on the market        Source: realestate.com.au

                                                               homestead on 8.9 hectares with great district
Our region is home to some of the most successful
                                                               and distant ocean views. The $4 million mark was
and influential business entrepreneurs who make
                                                               breached for a 20-hectare Calderwood property
up a percentage of buyers of high-end property on
                                                               comprising three houses and significant ancillary
the Central Coast. Celebrities look to our market
                                                               improvements including stables, which sold in
to escape the hustle and bustle of the capital city
                                                               April for $4.6 million. The Kiama and Berry and
lifestyle. It has been publicised that Sophie Monk
                                                               Kangaroo Valley regions traditionally provide the
purchased a rural lifestyle property in Matcham
                                                               greatest number of prestige rural residential sales
for around $2.25 million; Trevor Hamilton from
                                                               and 2020 has been no different with a 75-hectare
McGrath Real Estate secured the sale.
                                                               property in Kangaroo Valley comprising three
Although turnover of prestige properties on the                dwellings fetching $5,362,500 and Rose Valley
Central Coast is typically low, reflective of limited          recording two separate sales of $5.665 million and      Thirroul $4,125,000 sale         Source: realestate.com.au
supply levels, the sale prices recorded in our most            $6.05 million.
expensive market in 2020 have equally matched if
                                                               Agents are reporting a shortage of stock across        Chris McKenna
not exceeded some record sale prices achieved in
                                                               the board and the prestige market is no different.     Residential Team Leader
2019, indicating that confidence will remain in this
                                                               Despite recent activity and buyer interest, there
market segment throughout the remainder of 2020.
                                                               are a very limited number of prestige properties
Todd Beckman                                                   currently on the market with no current beachside
Property Valuer

                                                                                                                                                                                           41
lifestyle-nsw-tamworth-700106202)          Month in Review
Tamworth
                                                                                                                                                                   November 2020
Tamworth, Australia’s country music capital, is                                                                       ◗ 51 Raglan Street, East Tamworth (under
known for its world famous music festival and                                                                           contract for $1.2 million) (https://www.
being the major regional centre for northern                                                                            realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-
inland New South Wales, however compared                                                                                east+tamworth-134011846)
to its city and coastal cousins, Tamworth is not                                                                      Will Gell/Nick Humphries
necessarily known for its prestige property, but                                                                      Valuers
there are options for buyers seeking a luxurious
place to call home.

Unlike large city and many large coastal                56 White Street, East Tamworth   Source: realestate.com.au
communities, the price tag on Tamworth’s
prestige market is largely considered to be
                                                       There have been a number of East Tamworth
anything over $1 million in close proximity to the
                                                       prestige sales in recent years over the $1 million
CBD, namely located in East Tamworth, or high
                                                       price point in close proximity to Tamworth’s
value smaller rural lifestyle holdings on the city’s
                                                       CBD. More recently there have been fewer high
fringes.
                                                       value properties listed on the market and selling

                                                                                                                                                                                RESIDENTIAL
The prestige property in Tamworth is relatively        periods have increased throughout the COVID
thinly traded and subject to a degree of short         pandemic. However regional economies have
volatility, however given Tamworth’s growing           been very resilient throughout this period and
population and importance as a major economic          anecdotal evidence is showing a rejuvenation of
centre in northern New South Wales, we view these      major regional hubs. Many areas are experiencing
assets as being a sound long term investment and       outstanding seasonal conditions for farmers and
the option for a growing family.                       rural economies continue to help drive Australia
                                                       out of recession. Interest from city buyers has
Many of Tamworth’s prestige properties feature
                                                       increased according to many agents across the
large renovated double block homes in leafy East
                                                       region with regional prestige property providing
Tamworth where shopping and schools are within
                                                       value for money and an appealing proposition for
a five-minute drive. A recent example was the sale
                                                       those seeking a lifestyle change.
of 56 White Street, East Tamworth also known
as Kimeree which sold on 18 December 2019 for          Current prestige listings advertised in Tamworth
$1.229 million. This is not far above the average      include the following:
Sydney house price!
                                                       ◗ Gracemare, 584 Nundle Road, Tamworth.
                                                         (https://www.realestate.com.au/property-

        Tamworth is not necessarily known for its prestige property,
        but there are options for buyers seeking a luxurious place to
        call home.

                                                                                                                                                                         42
Victoria
                                                                                                                                                                                    Month in Review
                                                                                                                                                                                    November 2020

Melbourne                                              pinch. According to the latest market report, the              three bedrooms, two bathrooms and parking for
Introduction                                           volume of prime sales has declined by 25 per cent              two cars and is located in the heart of Melbourne’s
Melbourne auction volumes remain low and               compared to the first quarter and average days on              CBD within a short distance of Melbourne Central,
although have slightly increased recently, current     market for prime property in Melbourne increased               Emporium, RMIT University and Queen Victoria
volumes are only approximately six per cent            from 86 days to 90 days in the June quarter.                   Market. This four-level residence offers three
of the activity experienced this time last year –      Moreover, COVID restrictions have redirected                   bedrooms, two bathrooms and a private double
around 974 auctions during this period in 2019         buyers’ minds on their priorities and lifestyle. Along         garage. This property spent only 39 days on the
(source: Corelogic, 2020). During the last week        with the decline in international migration, we                market and is currently leased for $1000 per week.
of September, there were a total of 60 auctions        expect the housing market in the Melbourne CBD
held across Melbourne, 13 of which were sold prior     to remain stalled in the near future. Compared to
to auction and only one sold on the auction date.      last year, the volume of prime property sales has
The remaining properties were either withdrawn         dropped significantly. Highlighted below are the

                                                                                                                                                                                                 RESIDENTIAL
or passed in, highlighting the reluctance to           city centre’s highest priced transactions to date and
trade property during the city’s Stage 4 COVID         highest current listings on the market.
restrictions.

With the all-around market activity decreasing, it
doesn’t come as a surprise that prestige properties
showcasing envy-inducing features and hefty price
tags are also facing a slowed market movement.                                                                         23 Guildford Lane, Melbourne    Source: realestate.com.au
The inability of agents to perform physical
inspections for prospective buyers throughout
                                                                                                                      The highest selling apartment was 12/181 Franklin
August and September would obviously deter sales,
                                                                                                                      Street, Melbourne. This property was sold in August
as such a large amount of faith has been placed in
                                                                                                                      through an online auction for $1.68 million, which
virtual walk-throughs and auctions for multi-million
                                                                                                                      was $330,000 above the reserve price. The
dollar purchases.                                       23 Guildford Lane, Melbourne     Source: realestate.com.au   apartment offers over 170 square metres of internal
Melbourne CBD                                                                                                         area with two oversized double bedrooms, two
Amid the economic uncertainty and lockdown             23 Guildford Lane, Melbourne was the highest                   bathrooms, an upper mezzanine work-from-home
environment, the property market in the                priced house sale in 2020, selling for $2.815 million          space, large laundry and wine store.
Melbourne CBD continues to feel the pandemic           in February. This luxurious townhouse features

       With the all-around market activity decreasing, it doesn’t come as a surprise that prestige properties
       showcasing envy-inducing features and hefty price tags are also facing a slowed market movement.

                                                                                                                                                                                          43
located at 21 Margarita Street, Hampton sold for               Month in Review
                                                                                                                                  $5.95 million in June 2020.                                    November 2020

 12/181 Franklin Street, Melbourne   Source: realestate.com.au    292/299 Queen Street, Melbourne   Source: realestate.com.au

                                                                                                                                   21 Margarita Street, Hampto      Source: realestate.com.au

                                                                                                                                                                                                              RESIDENTIAL
 12/181 Franklin Street, Melbourne   Source: realestate.com.au    292/299 Queen Street, Melbourne   Source: realestate.com.au

Currently, the highest priced listing is an apartment             South East                                                       21 Margarita Street, Hampto      Source: realestate.com.au
located at 292/299 Queen Street, Melbourne,                       Amid the COVID crisis, the prestige property
with an asking price of $3.75 million. The vendor                 market in the south-eastern suburbs, particularly
                                                                                                                                  The vendor purchased the property for $5.5 million
purchased this property for $4.25 million in May                  in the bayside suburbs, is more resilient compared
                                                                                                                                  in October 2018 and sold for $5.95 million in June
2019. Located in Republic Tower, the apartment was                to Melbourne CBD. Due to the current COVID
                                                                                                                                  2020 after 42 days on the market. This exceptional
personally designed by Nonda Katsalidis and offers                restrictions and remote working environment,
                                                                                                                                  architect-designed, three-level residence on 769
350 square metres of unsurpassed living with two                  purchasers are focusing on the lifestyle features
                                                                                                                                  square metres of land offers four bedrooms plus
bedrooms, two bathrooms and two car parking                       the area and the property have to offer. We have
                                                                                                                                  home office and 5.5 bathrooms with an
spaces. The property has been listed on the market                seen some evidence of increases in the value of
                                                                                                                                  underground six-car garage and an auto-clean 25
since May 2020.                                                   prestige property in bayside suburbs. A house
                                                                                                                                  metre lap pool. This property is located in the heart
                                                                                                                                  of Hampton with close proximity to the Brighton
            Amid the COVID crisis, the prestige property market in the south-                                                     Beach precinct, beachfront, Hampton Street shops,
            eastern suburbs, particularly in the bayside suburbs, is more                                                         restaurants and transport and prestigious South
                                                                                                                                  Road schools.
            resilient compared to Melbourne CBD.

                                                                                                                                                                                                      44
The highest priced sale for a unit or apartment                an asking price of $7 million to $7.7 million.                  for four-bedroom houses in Quarter 2 of 2020                 Month in Review
was 13/786 Esplanade, Mornington with three                    This property is an award-winning, architect-                   (Propertydata, 2020). Despite the unprecedented              November 2020
bedrooms, two bathrooms and two car spaces.                    designed residence sitting on an exclusive cliff-top            year, there have been some notable prestige sales
The property sold for $2.55 million in July 2020               location with direct access to Daveys Bay beach                 in the inner east of the city.
after five months on the market. This designer                 and spectacular views of Port Phillip Bay and
                                                                                                                               13 Wimba Avenue, Kew sold for an eye-watering
penthouse apartment is situated in a landmark                  coastline. The property features seven bedrooms,
                                                                                                                               $7.9 million in March 2020, boasting six bedrooms
location of seaside Mornington, just a short stroll to         six bathrooms and three-car parking across a
                                                                                                                               and six bathrooms across three lift-accessible
the beachfront and Mornington’s boutique shops,                substantial 2,806 square metres of land.
                                                                                                                               levels on 918 square metres of land. The property
restaurants and cafes.
                                                                                                                               features northern sunlight and range views and a
                                                                                                                               Hampton’s inspired summer room that opens to a
                                                                                                                               large pool and alfresco area. To add to the marble
                                                                                                                               and oak textures used, the property includes a
                                                                                                                               basement-level theatre, billiards room, gym and
                                                                                                                               cellar, along with a six-car garage.

                                                                                                                                                                                                         RESIDENTIAL
                                                                5 Denistoun Avenue, Mount Eliza   Source: realestate.com.au

 13/786 Esplanade, Mornington     Source: realestate.com.au

                                                                                                                                13 Wimba Avenue, Kew             Source: Corelogic, 2020

                                                                5 Denistoun Avenue, Mount Eliza   Source: realestate.com.au

 13/786 Esplanade, Mornington     Source: realestate.com.au

                                                               Inner and Outer East
5 Denistoun Avenue, Mount Eliza is currently                   Prices remain resilient and on an upward trend
the highest priced listing in the south-east area.             in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, with LGA areas
Brought to the market as Mount Eliza’s most                    including Boroondara, Manningham, Whitehorse,
expensive listing to date, the property has been               Knox, Banyule and Maroondah showing median                       13 Wimba Avenue, Kew             Source: Corelogic, 2020
listed on the market since October 2019 with                   prices ranging from $991,250 to $2.3 million

                                                                                                                                                                                                  45
The substantial property sales aren’t only limited                                                                           on 15 June. This house has four bedrooms, two                      Month in Review
to houses on large sites in some of Melbourne’s                                                                              bathrooms and one car space. The front of the                      November 2020
most affluent neighbourhoods. Luxurious units,                                                                               house has been restored with period fixtures and
townhouses and apartments built with well-                                                                                   features moving into a rear extension which ties in
appointed finishes, highly desirable features and                                                                            modern and state of the art designs.
clever design also fetch prices much higher than
                                                                                                                             The sale occurred between the first and second
the median prices seen in the eastern corridor.
                                                                                                                             lockdowns with a high number of potential buyers
A city-facing, ground level unit at G02/8 Main Drive,                                                                        resulting in a sale in 21 days. The sale showed
Kew sold off-the-plan in August 2020 for $2.15                                                                               that the market was still achieving good results in
million (subject to confirmation). The residence                                                                             uncertain times mainly due to the lack of stock and
will comprise three bedrooms and two bathrooms                 G02/8 Main Drive, Kew              Source: Corelogic, 2020   the number of willing and able buyers remaining
and feature natural stone and timber surfaces                                                                                active in the market.
throughout its kitchen, bathroom and ensuite as               Inner and Outer North
well as an abundance of brushed chrome finishes. It           It seems a distant memory, but the property market
also features a study nook, outdoor entertainment             entered 2020 with much anticipation and optimism
area and space to park two cars. The property is              coming off a strong end to 2019. The auction
one of 17 residences in the Oakwood development               results at the start of the year are in complete

                                                                                                                                                                                                             RESIDENTIAL
in Kew, located on a tree-lined boulevard,                    contrast to the past few months in Victoria. There
approximately 15 minutes drive from the CBD.                  were 1123 auctions on 22 February compared to just
                                                              33 on 12 October, highlighting the change in market
                                                              conditions since the start of the year (source:
                                                              Corelogic,2020).

                                                              That being said, properties have still been selling             16 Rushall Crescent, Fitzroy North   Source: realestate.com.au
                                                              albeit not in the numbers recorded prior to the
                                                              Coronavirus pandemic. The decrease in number
                                                              of listings has resulted in less prestige properties
                                                              hitting the market but that lack of stock has also
                                                              helped to keep prices steady with buyers fighting
                                                              over the limited number of properties.

 G02/8 Main Drive, Kew             Source: Corelogic, 2020
                                                              Homes in the inner northern suburbs of Melbourne
                                                              are well known for their timeless Victorian period
                                                              architecture. 16 Rushall Crescent, Fitzroy North is
                                                              no exception. This property sold for $3.675 million

           It seems a distant memory, but the property market entered                                                         16 Rushall Crescent, Fitzroy North   Source: realestate.com.au

           2020 with much anticipation and optimism coming off a
                                                                                                                             One of the more unique sales in the inner northern
           strong end to 2019.                                                                                               suburbs was 69 Fitzgibbon Street, Parkville. This

                                                                                                                                                                                                     46
You can also read