Domain - The Age, April 04, 2020

3 4 APRIL 2020

Home sweet home Looking out over Melbourne

Adv ic e

Ma rke t Wrap

C oa s t & C ou nt r y

ONLINE BUYING

THE SHORTLIST

FRESH PERSPECTIVE

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Safely sell or search for your next property During these unprecedented times, we understand your home is more important than ever. We are here to support you through every step of your property journey, and to help you feel safe and connected along the way.

Virtual Tour

Property inspections are still happening.

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EXPLORE

Request online inspection

While traditional open home inspections are not currently permitted, online inspections are still possible, as well as virtual tour options offered on some properties.

on any Domain website listing to be taken through a property via video call where you can chat to the agent in real time.

on some listings to inspect a property online in your own time, with no agent present.

Auctions are still going ahead online.

Go to online auction

We’re working hard to support you with various online auction alternatives so you can register, bid or simply watch auctions from your computer or device.

Visit domain.com.au/online-auctions to view a list to some of this weekend’s properties that will offer online auction capabilities.

If you’d like to learn more about this option, please reach out to your local real estate agent.

Visit domain.com.au

Best suited to a bayside jewel

INDEX

Note from the editor

House of the Week

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Advice

p7

Market Wrap

p8

Coast & Country

p17

A

t Domain, we talk often about the importance of home being the heart and soul of our lives; a sanctuary. That notion has never been truer, yet it’s also never been more complicated.

As a result of the current crisis, we’re hitting pause on our magazines for a little while. We will be back as soon as possible to continue to provide all the latest property reviews and market insights as well as your favourite lifestyle features and images to inspire you.

There are, of course, many ways you can still connect with us. Sign up at domain.com.au/membership so you can stay abreast of the market and continue to make sense of what the current climate means for you. Here you’ll also be able to read the latest news, advice and lifestyle articles as well as sign up to our newsletters to have information delivered directly to your inbox.

Take care, stay safe and we look forward to seeing you soon.

OUR COVER 401/55 Wellington Street, St Kilda, listed by Hocking Stuart

This French Provincial beauty really fits the

Brighton bill – all country manor grandeur with a gorgeous garden to match. You get all the fine features of the design here from the doubleheight balcony facade to the grand staircase inside and the beautiful, airy dimensions of the formal rooms.

Most spaces here have either a water or garden aspect, enhancing that languid rural feel and as the house sits near the popular Were Street area, you get the best of both worlds.

A gorgeous terrace leads out to the pool via three sets of french doors, and the two Canary Island palms elegantly standing sentry out here are both over one hundred years old.

Upstairs there’s a fabulous retreat with its own terrace and the main bedroom has acres of excellent space including a granite en suite, vestibule and study.

Agent Alex Schiavo of Kay and Burton is looking after the listing, with price expectations of $4.5 million to $4.95 million. Expressions of interest close on April 7 at 5pm.

LOU SWEENEY

Belle Property p6

Hover your phone camera over the code to see the listing

Editor Emily Power | Deputy editor Jessica Dale | Group lifestyle editor January Jones | Editorial assistant Hailey Coules | Group picture editor Kylie Thomson | Senior designer Colleen Chin Quan Graphic designer Nicole Gauci | National managing editor Alice Stolz | Group director, Consumer Jason Chuck | Chief executive officer Jason Pellegrino | Residential sales Mitch Armstrong 0438 820 767 New development sales Ash Wood 0424 427 402 | Contact editorial@domain.com.au | Domain is published by Domain Holdings Australia Limited and is printed by Elephant Group (Aust) Pty Ltd, 24c Victoria Street, Windsor VIC 3181.

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HOUSE OF THE WEEK B y LO U SWE E N E Y

Need to know: This is the first time the property has been offered for sale and the highest recorded house price for St Kilda (past 12 months) was $5.5 million in July 2019 for 7 Redan Street.

Recent Sales $1.505 million 112/8-10 The Esplanade, March $762,000 1/30 Marine Parade, March

A joy to behold

F

rom penthouse to share house, we’re all going to be seeing a lot more of our own four walls so hopefully House of the Week can bring you the all the fun of taking a peek at someone else’s.

This exceedingly smooth penthouse is as fine a place to start as any.

A lift takes you to a secure glass foyer before the entry proper. Once you get in here it’s a joy to behold.

A long, wide-profile timber hall rolls luminously toward the north.

Above, a timber-clad ceiling creates a brilliant feel of sanctuary.

A fabulous study sits to the right and next door is one of the coolest powder rooms we’ve seen where dark stone units rise up and gorgeous wallpaper has a bazaar-like motif full of colour and detail.

In the beautifully rendered kitchen a large marble waterfall bench takes centre stage.

Marble splashbacks, pale cabinetry and a lowered bulkhead give the area definition and depth. A deep butler’s pantry completes a sensational space.

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$1.055 million 404/126 Chapel Street, February

What the agent says

ST KILDA 401/55 Wellington Street $3.7 million-$4 million

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Expressions of interest: close 5pm, April 16 Agent: Hocking Stuart Belle Property, John Manning 0416 101 201 John Manning Open your camera and hover your phone over

Hocking Stuart Belle Property

the app code to see the listing

Across the way, the dining room shares the double-sided fireplace with the sublime living room behind.

Here full-size glass rolls back to take you out to the brilliant terrace and eye-popping views of the city and across to the west and east.

The main bedroom suite is divine – with views over the rooftops of St Kilda.

At the end of this level is a splendid living room/retreat/fifth bedroom with more glorious aspects.

A set of stairs takes you up to the rooftop terrace and all of Melbourne, including lovely snatches of the bay.

There are extensive automated features throughout so you can set things up remotely.

This will exceed the expectations of anyone who appreciates sophistication and quality. Perfect for a range of lifestyles – solo, couple or family who want a unique residence.

A DV I C E

B y DANIE L B UTKOVICH

Virtual realities: a guide to buying

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How to find and inspect a home during the coronavirus pandemic Online property portals and social media will continue to be the main way buyers browse and shortlist properties, but agents are enhancing listings with interactive features.

Pattaro says: “People who aren’t tech savvy can sign an authority to bid directly to the agent via telephone.” Agents and auctioneers are making the transition to online auctions as smooth as possible, he says. “The last thing you want to do is make a consumer jump through lots of hoops in an already difficult time.”

PETER RAE

nprecedented shutdowns to contain the spread of coronavirus have disrupted Australia’s property market for the foreseeable future.

Public auctions and open homes are banned as the federal government moves to limit large gatherings of people to contain the virus.

Further lockdowns are anticipated and there’s no end in sight yet, but buyers and sellers are continuing to transact, despite the unusual circumstances.

“The real estate market is still moving but we are moving with private inspections and private auctions,” Ray White chief auctioneer Alex Pattaro says.

“Buyers still need to buy and sellers still need to sell.”

Social distancing measures present challenges for home buyers, but the property industry is rapidly adapting to the pandemic.

Innovative ways to inspect and transact real estate online are rapidly being adopted, but in some ways it’s back to basics.

Private inspections now need to be arranged directly with agents.

Governments have encouraged people to stay home as much as possible, meaning agents and vendors are seeking only qualified buyers.

“Those people who are not actively looking are unlikely to want to come and inspect homes,” Hassen says.

“Those people who are serious are going to remain in the marketplace.

“The number of people that we take through is lower, but the quality of people in the sense of readiness to buy is quite strong.”

“Be ready for any opportunity … agents are encouraging buyers to bring any offer forward.” – NICK VINER “We’ve increased the use of videos to make sure people get a good first look at the property,” The Agency cofounder Shad Hassen says.

Agents are also arranging video inspections using WhatsApp, FaceTime, Zoom and Skype, while virtual tours using 360-degree camera technology are on the rise.

The ban on open homes will mean a change to buyers’ typical Saturday morning rituals.

The changes mean buyers need to narrow down the number of properties shortlisted for inspection.

“The passive buyer now needs to be more focused around their priorities,” Cobden and Hayson director Matthew Hayson says.

“They don’t have the luxury and probably don’t want to look at five priorities to assess value. They want to look at one or two.”

Agents are following social distancing protocols to limit the spread of coronavirus.

“We’re now having to ask questions like ‘Have you been overseas? Have you been in contact with anyone with the virus?’,” Hayson says.

How online auctions work The ban on public auctions has triggered an increased uptake of online auctions, which are still allowed. Many of this weekend’s scheduled auctions will now be conducted online, which experts say will be here to stay.

“I think the online auction will pick up now, and I also think it will have longevity,” Belle Property Albert Park auctioneer David Wood says.

Online auctions operate under the same rules as public auctions.

Bidders will be provided with a link and instructions by the agent.

“The buyers will be in the comfort of their own home,” Pattaro says.

“The platform allows people to see what’s happening in real time.”

Wood says there will still be an auctioneer in front of the camera, and “buyers will be able to see the current bid, the bid that they can raise, and they can make a bid”.

Phone bids are still an option for those uncomfortable bidding online,

What buyers need to do to secure a home in the current market Buyers need to be proactive, ready to move quickly and, as always, prepared financially. Job security, the ability to afford loan repayments, and pre-approval from a lender are crucial in the current economic climate.

“Be ready for any opportunity that may arise,” buyers’ agent Nick Viner of Buyer’s Domain says. “Agents are going to be keen to wrap up deals with existing buyers rather than waiting two or three weeks in very uncertain times.

“Agents are encouraging buyers to bring any offer forward, even if it was an offer that a week ago would never be considered.”

Wood says pre-approved buyers who can make unconditional offers are in a strong position.

“This market will throw up some really good buying opportunities,” he says. “Buyers should not be afraid to make offers prior to the auction.”

Buyers should expect increased engagement with agents, and be prepared to negotiate.

“You’ve got to reach out to the agent more regularly,” Hayson says. “We’re moving more to a one-on-one basis.

People will lean more towards private treaty.”

Increased transparency will be the key to ensuring transactions run smoothly, Hassen adds.

“Communication at times like these is paramount,” he says. “If we communicate with people clearly and tell them what the asking price is going to be, we will have a much higher chance of closing deals.”

Daniel Butkovich is Domain’s National Advice Editor.

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MARKE T WR AP 4

S AT U R DAY

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MONTMORENCY 124 Reichelt Avenue $2.1 million-$2.3 million

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2 Open your camera and hover your phone over the app code to see the listing

This grand family home by boutique builder Carter Grange is at the forefront of a change sweeping this suburb. “The quarter-acre block is popular again and we’re seeing a few new builds,” the agent says. Behind the modern exterior, the stylish house “sets a new standard” in living areas.

Expressions of interest: close 4pm, April 6 Agent: Jellis Craig, Scott Nugent 0438 054 993

BRIGHTON EAST

Open your camera and

ARMADALE

Open your camera and

44 Cluden Street

hover your phone over

32 Beatty Avenue

hover your phone over

$1.85 million-$1.99 million

the app code to see

$1.75 million-$1.925 million

the app code to see the listing

the listing

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2 garden and from the dining area to a

and entertainment spaces. There are A year-old renovation and extension

two bedrooms and a bathroom on

A soupcon of French village life

walled courtyard. Timber ceilings

elevate this lovely inter-war semi into

each level. Bay Street and Church

pervades this much-loved property

angle up to a mezzanine study

an easy-living family home that South

Street shops are not far away.

neighbouring quaint Beatty Avenue’s

(potential third bedroom) that has a

Yarra architect David Dubois designed

Private sale

cafes, wine bar and distinguished

large balcony with built-in seating.

with a practical floor plan as a priority.

Agent: Marshall White,

restaurant Chez Bob. It has a high

Private sale

A showpiece kitchen with marble

Matthew Pillios 0408 145 982

brick fence, slate roof, cellar and

Agent: Kay & Burton,

island bench, family room and deck

french doors (naturally) from the

Michael Armstrong 0407 063 263

provide connected yet separate living

bedroom and living room to front

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C o m p i l e d b y JACQ UI HAM M E R TO N

EAST MELBOURNE

Open your camera and

HAWTHORN EAST

Open your camera and

63 George Street

hover your phone over

506/38 Harold Street

hover your phone over

$2.295 million

the app code to see

$2.25 million-$2.45 million

the app code to see

the listing

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2

the listing

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abode is the fruits of the architect

with theatre, wine storage and bar,

Once a workers’ cottage and now a

owner, who has transformed it into a

The buyer of this luxury penthouse

butler’s pantry and city views.

fine example of New York living on the

flexible and stylish city address.

apartment has the option to snap up

Expressions of interest: close 6pm,

edge of Melbourne’s CBD (naturally

Private sale

a neighbouring apartment which the

April 6

meaning it has world-class views from

Agent: Marshall White,

vendors found was ideal for their

Agent: Marshall White,

the first-floor terrace), this loft-style

Stephen Smith 0423 266 231

adult children. Number 506 comes

Nikki McCarthy 0410 236 200

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ALBERT PARK

GREG HOCKING HOLDSWORTH

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60 St Vincent Place North, Albert Park This landmark c1868 residence superbly fuses the epitome of Victorian grandeur with the ultimate in modern extravagance. The ground floor main bedroom with dressing room and marble ensuite is accompanied by two family bathrooms, second bedroom with ensuite and two additional bedrooms. Breathtaking north facing Paul Bangay garden.

Land size 731 m2 approx.

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130 Hambleton Street, Middle Park An enviable life style awaits the lucky purchaser of this magnificent two storey balconied residence. Positioned in one of Middle Park’s most sought after locations, adjacent to Armstrong street shopping village, cafe life, lake and No.96 city light rail. Truly a rare find in this in one of the districts best locations! Land size 5 M x 35 M.

Albert Park 8644 5500 10

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For Sale Price Inspect Contact

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Contact Agent Inspect By Appointment Andrew Turner 0408 211 281 Greg Hocking 0418 329 961

Price EOI Inspect Contact

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Contact Agent close 6th Apr at 5pm Inspect By Appointment Simon Gowling 0422 234 644 Greg Hocking 0418 329 961 Max Mercuri 0431 043 723

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14 Withers Street, Albert Park Affordable 2 levels 1970’s townhouse ideal to live in now with fabulous potential to renovate or rebuild your dream home (STCA). Located in the heart of Albert Park, only minutes away from the village cafe life, beach and the No.1 City tram. Don’t miss this rare opportunity! Land size approximately 7 metres x 13 metres.

For Sale Price Inspect Contact

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$975,000 - $1,070,000 Inspect By Appointment Andrew Turner 0408 211 281 Greg Hocking 0418 329 961

greghocking.com.au

ALBERT PARK

GREG HOCKING HOLDSWORTH

90 Cobden Street, South Melbourne The perfect union of inviting 1860s period character and stylish 21st century flair, this striking 3 bedroom double fronted Victorian stunner delivers wonderful space both inside and out, as well as promising a superb location with easy access to all the best that South Melbourne has to offer. Land size 186m2 Approx.

Albert Park 8644 5500

A3 B1 For Sale Price Contact Agent Inspect Inspect By Appointment Contact Simon Gowling 0422 234 644 Max Mercuri 0431 043 723

greghocking.com.au

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BRIGHTON - CAMBERWELL

Sell it, rent it or just sit tight Follow your home on Domain to see what your next move should be.

kayburton.com.au

Visit domain.com.au/owners

kayburton.com.au 12

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HAWTHORN

kayburton.com.au DOM A IN

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HAWTHORN - MALVERN

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TOORAK

kayburton.com.au

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TOORAK

11 Torresdale Court, Toorak

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Stunning Town Residence with north west orientation. Light and airy featuring open plan kitchen, dining and family room opening onto landscaped garden, living room with OFP, downstairs master suite. Upstairs rumpus/living opens onto the huge north west facing terrace with city views. Suit downsizer or ideal lock and leave city base on low maintenance 383sm2 corner.

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DOM A IN

C OA S T

&

C O U N T RY

B y K ATE NAN CARROW

MOUNT MARTHA 32 Ian Road $1.82 million-$2 million

4

2

2

Open your camera and hover your phone over the app code to see the listing

Newly built on the high side of the road, this spacious four-bedroom house would be suitable for permanent living or low-maintenance holidays. Two bedrooms are on the lower level, with a third that can be converted to a living zone – ideal for children or guests. Upstairs

MOUNT ELIZA

SORRENTO

is a huge open-plan living

19-20 Earimil Drive

116 Hotham Road

area that opens to a curved

$6 million

$2.5 million

entertaning deck and offers views across the bay. The

5

4

2

large main bedroom, with en

Open your camera and hover

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2

2

your phone over the app code

Open your camera and hover your phone over the app code

suite, also opens via double

Secluded but with

doors to this balcony. A

spectacular sea views, this

second entertaining deck at

five-bedroom house is on

vaulted ceilings, a double-

L-shaped house’s hub – a

dining area. Adjoining the

the lower level includes a

two titles, including a border

sided open fireplace, and

long and large living room.

large open-plan kitchen,

solar-heated pool.

with Earimil Creek, and is

polished floorboards.

This elegant room features a

living and dining room is a

Private sale

metres from the sand. A

Expressions of interest:

white panelled ceiling,

second sitting area.

Agent: McEwing Partners,

recent renovation has been

close noon, April 6

Jetmaster fireplace and

Private sale

Marcus Gollings

undertaken and the large

Agent: Aqua Real Estate,

walls of sliding glass opening

Agent: Kay & Burton,

0422 236 990

main living area features

Michelle Skoglund

to the covered outdoor

Liz Jensen 0418 446 228

to see the listing

Double front doors open

to see the listing

directly into this charming

0416 119 444

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COAST & COUNTRY

141 Ferrier Road, New Gisborne

a b c

A renowned property with rare distinction & heritage significance with possible expansion of the Gisborne township boundary make this the perfect lifestyle property with future development potential, perfectly positioned on 31.5 acres (12.76ha). The house is a unique Indian bungalow style and lovingly maintained.

  �� � �  � � ­ €

26 - 28 Riverside Terrace, Barwon Heads

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b

2

c

3+

60-62 Canadian Bay Road, Mount Eliza

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b

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c

2

Absolute waterfront property with breathtaking river views on large 1250sqm approx. allotment. Two titles. Potential development (STCA). Mins to surf beach, retail & cafes.

Following a breathtaking renovation of a classic c1934 Arts & Crafts residence, this elegant family home represents a unique offering to the coveted Ranelagh Estate.

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#$ %

COAST & COUNTRY

23 - 25 FRONTAGE WAY, MORNINGTON

Expressions of Interest

Dress Circle Location 

Rare opportunity to purchase one or both secluded homesites within strolling distance to Mills Beach



Potential for Bay Views (STCA)



Each lot 1040m2 (approx)



EOI CLOSING 17th April 5.00pm INSPECT

By Appointment Peter Skewes

0417 364 035

To be offered separately

pas@jlbre.com.au

Brett Trebilcock

0439 209 891

brett.trebilcock@belleproperty.com

kayburton.com.au

Mornington 5976 5900

jacobsandlowe.com.au

Every precaution has been taken to establish accuracy of the above information, but does not constitute any representation by t he vendor or the agent

‘HIGHTON’, Lismore, VIC | 38.69 HA* / 95.61 AC*

A Unique Rural/Lifestyle Holding of Historical Significance • A beautifully restored 4 bedroom Victorian homestead (c.1911) of Federation and Art Nouveau styles, positioned in a stunning garden setting • 3 stand shearing shed, modern cattle yard complex, large machinery shed and separate workshop • Excellent fencing, laneway system and established shelterbelts throughout • Highly productive arable soils, slightly undulating pastured country with native timbered areas • Town and dam water, 100,000 litres* rainwater storage, plus troughs in every paddock • Extensive frontage to Browns Waterholes Creek • 5 acres* subdivided into 10 township lots • Ideally suited to cattle – sheep – equine – cropping • Privately situated on the edge of Lismore township, 167 km* from Melbourne CBD

Search by school name You can now search by school name, and we’ll show you properties in that catchment.

Expressions of Interest

*Denotes approximately

Closing Thursday 23rd April 2020 Nick Myer 0427 610 278 Rob Rickard 0407 354 025 eldersrealestate.com.au/21902288

RE69

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