16 FEBRUARY / 2022
PRESTIGE THE BEST IN AUSTRALIAN PROPERTY
THE GREAT ESCAPE Where the gra ss is greener
B y K ATE FARRE LLY
Federal Byron Shire 448 Binna Burra Road $5.5 million J OSE PHIN E H U YN H
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Private sale Agent: First National Byron, Tara Torkkola 0423 519 698 It is at this time of year, slotting back into the rat race, that many of us
On 6.6 hectares a two-minute drive from the
dream – or plan – an escape back to nature. While a holiday can be a short-
village centre, this reimagined farmhouse in the
term fix, there’s nothing like knowing you have a permanent place to retreat
Byron hinterland has a generous floor plan and
to. This edition is a nod to the best tree-change properties on the market
idyllic rural views. Loaded with character, the
across the country. Our cover property is one such place. The sprawling
property features vaulted ceilings in the main
home in Byron hinterland offers no shortage of space, both inside and out.
living spaces, covered decks overlooking the
Its large windows perfectly frame the view towards grazing horses and the
15-metre pool and a barn with squash court,
rolling hills beyond, and perhaps it’s here where the lucky new owners will
games room and garage.
feel that the grass is truly greener on the other side – if not here, then certainly while perched over the infinity pool or outdoor bath. Or, further afield, you might like to consider a garden estate that’s a glorious celebration of every season in a picturesque town of the Adelaide Hills.
O U R COVE R 448 Binna Burra Road, Federal Listed by First National Byron PAG E 2
HOT PROPERTY Editor: Josephine Huynh josephine.huynh@ domain.com.au Editorial producer: Paige Tonna Group picture editor: Kylie Thomson Senior designer: Colleen Chin Quan Graphic designer: Emma Staughton National managing editor: Alice Stolz Chief executive officer: Jason Pellegrino
ANTHONY ANDERSON DRONE DYNAMICS SA
DESIGN DIGEST The great outdoors
FEATURE STORY Hotspots in the QLD hinterland
LIVING IN Shining a light on Stirling
THE PROPERTY INVESTOR Long versus short-term letting
Residential sales: Queensland Brad McLeod 0429 571 826 New South Wales Belinda Sinclair 0414 580 903 Victoria & Tasmania Ray van Veenendaal 0438 279 870 Western Australia, South Australia & Northern Territory Jeroen van de Peppel 0427 292 797 Digital edition Visit domain.com.au/ digitaledition
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Kin Kin Noosa 325 Wahpunga Lane 8
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Auction: 10.30am, February 25 Agent: Ray White Pomona Hinterland, Phil Hargrave 0417 750 507 A beautifully restored Queenslander on almost 46 hectares of farmland, Wahpunga Hill includes horse and cattle-friendly infrastructure a 30-minute drive from the heart of Noosa.
Arthurs Seat
Agnes Water
Mornington Peninsula 23 Stockdale Road
Gladstone 181 Streeter Drive
$11.5 million-$12.5 million
$5 million-$5.5 million
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Private sale
Expressions of interest
Agent: Kay & Burton Flinders, Tom Barr Smith 0438 368 020
Agent: Queensland Sotheby’s International
Dromana granite, blackbutt and spotted gum are heroed at Green Valley, a
Realty, Michael Vettoretto 0438 705 745
26-hectare estate with impressive equestrian facilities and two dams.
Covering 24.5 hectares over three titles, K2
Claiming north-facing views over rolling countryside, the single-level home
claims panoramic views across treetops to the
comes with three character-filled living zones, a dedicated office, a
ocean. As well as the spacious contemporary
wraparound deck and a pool.
residence, you’ll find a greenhouse and a helipad.
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WHY LIVE ANYWHERE ELSE? Yves puts the focus on sophisticated design, superb craftsmanship and a return to rediscovering the best things in life, in the coveted neighbourhood of Mermaid Beach. yvesmermaidbeach.com.au Call Alex: 0432 846 501
PROUDLY DEVELOPED BY
Artist impression
DESIGNED BY
DESIGN DIGEST
Al fresco living Honouring Australia’s love of the outdoors, these wonderful designs enrich life’s moments spent outside. C o m p i l e d b y PAU LIN E M O RRIS SE Y PETAL POWER Adding relaxed elegance to al fresco dining settings, the Lotus Table by Kun Design has a rounded-edge top gracefully supported by a central pillar exhibiting a petal design. It’s available in a range of nature-inspired colours. kundesign.com
OUTDOOR BLISS Circular in shape and versatile in character, the In-Out Cemento Bathtub, designed by Benedini Associati for Agape, can be used indoors or out. It’s made from unique, coloured concrete enriched with resin. artedomus.com
STYLISH SERVER
REST & RESPITE The Ribbon Chaise, designed by David Harrison for Robert Plumb, is ideal for lazing
The perfect match for
or reading. It has a powder-coated stainless steel base paired with solid New Guinea rosewood slats,
the keen entertainer,
combined to create a bold shape for outdoor reclined seating. robertplumb.com.au
the Trace Drinks Trolley, designed by Adam Goodrum for Tait, features a stainless steel frame with aluminium trays, together with a curved handlebar and oversized timber wheels for effortless mobility. madebytait.com.au
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FEATURE STORY
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he sea-change wave that caused house prices to swell by up to 80 per cent across south-east Queensland’s coastal pockets last year is spreading to the region’s prestige hinterland, sparking voracious growth in once-overlooked suburbs. Those key acreage neighbourhoods that hug the snakelike shoreline from the Sunshine Coast to the Gold Coast are now teetering on the edge of a real estate renaissance, experts say, with prestige property prices tipped to reach new heights this year. Fig Tree Pocket and Pullenvale near Brisbane, Cooroy Mountain and Yandina Creek on the Sunshine Coast, and Currumbin and Tallebudgera Valley on the Gold Coast are just some suburbs poised to skyrocket in 2022. Others have already done so, such as Tallai in the Gold Coast hinterland, where property prices jumped 41.9 per cent to $1.28 million. The Sunshine Coast acreage pocket of Doonan – north of Yandina – also registered a 38.4 per cent jump to $1,487,500, according to the latest Domain House Price Report.
Acreage the lure of our magnetic north Demand for large luxury properties in south-east Queensland has led to jaw-dropping price rises during the past year. B y SAR AH WE B B
Nearby, in the exclusive seaside suburb of Sunshine Beach, median house prices rose to a record-shattering $2,999,950 – a fact that’s not lost on savvy prestige buyers who now see the south-east Queensland hinterland as the perfect place in which to pour their property dollars. Fig Tree Pocket is already reaping the rewards of that acreage renaissance, says McGrath Paddington agent Alex Jordan, with house prices hurtling north by 30.1 per cent last year to $1.55 million.
“If I was investing in acreage, Fig Tree Pocket would be one of the best Brisbane suburbs [in which] to do it,” he says. “It’s one of the closest to the CBD in terms of proximity, but if you want that acreage lifestyle then you’ve got big blocks of land and lots of separation between you and the neighbours. “There’s also Brookfield and Pullenvale,” Jordan adds. “They are beautiful suburbs with lush, rolling green hills. Pullenvale is 15 kilometres as the crow flies from the city.
“Those acreage suburbs were really lagging behind in growth for many, many years … but that market has come back. “COVID created that scenario and buyers decided that, if they don’t have to go into work five days a week, [they can] live where their kids can run around. “We saw more than 20 per cent growth in the last calendar year for that area and that’s unprecedented … but these acreage spots are still so undervalued and interstate buyers particularly are surprised that you can get something within 20 kilometres of the city in Brisbane that feels about 100 kilometres away.” The Domain report showed that house prices in Pullenvale rose by a record-setting 25.4 per cent to $1.6 million last year, which remains a steal compared to Brisbane’s priciest blue-chip suburb of New Farm – where house prices jumped 30.7 per cent to reach a record median of $2.15 million. On the Sunshine Coast, house prices in the seaside suburb of Minyama have soared by 82 per cent to $1.815 million, allowing some locals to cash in on the red-hot seaside market and gain a hinterland mansion on a sprawling lot for a fraction of the price, says Tom Offermann, of the eponymous real estate firm. The uptick in acreage demand led to one unnamed Cooroy Mountain Road property recently selling for $9.5 million – setting a house price record for the hinterland region, he says. “This is an area that we describe as the golden triangle, formed by a line between Noosa and Eumundi and then out to Cooroy, where you can get to the Noosa beaches within 10 to 15 minutes – all on bitumen roads,” Offermann says. “You have the advantage of being near beautiful country towns like Eumundi … but if you want to go out to dinner in Noosa it can be five minutes away from where you live. “So, I think this will propel prices there … it has a strong future.” Belle Property Noosa and Coolum agent Sarah Sinclair concurs, saying young families in their 30s are nabbing the lion’s share of prestige acreage homes.
28-30 Carnarvon Court, Yandina Creek, left and above; 5 Wybelenna Street, Brookfield, above right; 2/9 Koombahla Drive Tallebudgera, below.
“Without a doubt, this is because of the shift in people’s thinking since COVID,” she says. “There’s a need to be self-sufficient … but I certainly think buyers are also starting to feel out-priced in the suburban beach areas. “Yandina Creek is a place to watch … and the other one that will continue to be strong is Doonan, thanks to its proximity to Noosa.” On the Gold Coast, local buyers have been quick to pounce on still relatively affordable luxury hideaways, says John Fischer of PRD Real Estate Burleigh Heads, with sales in suburbs such as Tallebudgera Valley and Currumbin Valley achieving jaw-dropping prices in the last year. “The acreage market has had a massive run in the last year – we sold one for $5 million at 757 Tallebudgera Creek Road, Tallebudgera Valley, [in March last year] and that was a recordsetter,” he said. “Currumbin Valley is where I would invest but also Benogin and Tallebudgera Valley. They are at the highest price point [they’ve ever been right now] and they 100 per cent have room to grow.”
Yandina Creek Sunshine Coast 28-30 Carnarvon Court $3.2 million
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Private sale Agent: Belle Property Noosa and Coolum, Sarah Sinclair 0402 462 071 This architect-designed luxury home on an 8065-square-metre block features a studio apartment, bushland views and a heated plunge pool, and is close to schools and Coolum Beach.
Tallebudgera Gold Coast 2/9 Koombahla Drive $6 million +
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Private sale Agent: PRD Real Estate Burleigh Heads, John Fischer 0478 071 623 This resort-style home on a 7972-square-metre block features a swimming pool on the first floor, a formal lounge room with a fireplace, plus a spa, a guest retreat (with its own pool) and an office.
Brookfield Brisbane 5 Wybelenna Street $7 million
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Private sale Agent: Ray White New Farm, Tom Lyne 0423 696 862 This 19,100-square-metre resort-style estate is close to Brisbane’s city centre. It features a selfcontained villa, an Argentinian-inspired barbecue pavilion, clay tennis court, and a pool and spa.
PR E ST IGE
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THORNLANDS 86-106 George Thorn Drive
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RARE BAYSIDE ACREAGE DREAM • 5.5 private acres on pristine Moreton Bay • North-easterly aspect to North Straddie • Build new or renovate existing home (STCA) • Freshly updated, beneficial granny flat • 35 mins from Brisbane in a lovely community
belleproperty.com/222P338345
AUCTION Saturday, 5th March at 2.00pm
Tony O'Doherty 0466 442 674 tony.odoherty@belleproperty.com
LIVING IN
35.00589° S, 138.71755° E
STIRLING SOUTH AUSTRALIAN TOURISM COMMISSION
With its bucolic setting and village feel it is hard to believe Stirling is only minutes from Adelaide CBD. B y PAU LIN E M O RRIS SE Y During a time when many people are asking
YOU MAY LIKE ...
Stirling
“I don’t think there’s another location in the
themselves if they should make a move to an
country where you can get a bit of everything in
Adelaide Hills 19 Spencer Street
idyllic countryside locale or stay plugged into the
such close proximity to a capital city,” she says.
$2.5 million
buzz of the city, the splendid town of Stirling affords a third option – the beauty of both.
Countryside meets city
“The most prestigious private schools, like
reached within five minutes, plus highly acclaimed pubs such as the Stirling Hotel are all
vistas, tree-lined streets and a timeless village
within walking distance.”
European charms
Real Estate, says it’s no wonder that many from
Contributing to the town’s appeal is the unique
the east coast are making a home in the Hills,
restaurant offering of Patch Kitchen & Garden in
particularly with the rise of remote working.
one of Stirling’s most historic buildings.
“Since the pandemic hit, we have seen more
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magical Mount Lofty Botanic Garden can be
whimsical and wondrous town has rolling green
Arabella Hooper, property consultant at Harris
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College, are all within a 10-minute drive, the
Nestled in the scenic Adelaide Hills, this
charm, all just 15 minutes from the CBD.
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Seymour College, Scotch College and Mercedes
“I opened Patch in 2014, and it has since
executive families move to Stirling seeking the
become known for serving seasonal, wholesome
type of seclusion and privacy afforded by its
and delicious food,” says the owner, Ben Barnett,
Expressions of interest
lavish parcels of land,” Hooper says.
who lives in Stirling with his partner, Gemma
Agent: Harris Real Estate,
Munro, after relocating from a neighbouring
Arabella Hooper 0403 336 407
village in 2020.
Built c1910, St Marks is a landmark sandstone
“A typical property can range anywhere between 2000 to 8000 square metres, often consisting of stunning stone cottages and
“We chose to live in Stirling because, while it’s
estate, embraced by romantic, meandering
mansions, made perfect by romantic English
only 15 minutes from the city, we often feel like
gardens. Perfectly enhanced for modern living,
gardens and century-old trees – there’s certainly
we live in another world.”
the charms of yesteryear are proudly on display.
a true sense of solitude to be found here.”
Together with their blended families, Barnett
As reported in the latest Domain House Price
and Dr Munro live in a beautiful 1900s sandstone
Report, Stirling’s median of $1.01 million is up 17.6
villa with incredible English grounds. Dr Munro is
Mount Lofty Botanic
per cent year-on-year, and while Hooper notes
able to work with colleagues from around the
Garden is a beautiful
Hover your camera over the
how stock levels are at an all-time low, she
world from the comfort of a little stone studio
spot just a 10-minute
code to see Domain listings
predicts demand will only become stronger.
located at the bottom of their garden.
drive from Stirling.
in Stirling
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FOR SALE
THE PROPERTY INVESTOR
ISTOCK
Strategies for a post-pandemic market Do you move back to the city and let your tree or sea-change home? And, if so, do you opt for long or short-term leases? B y SU E WILLIAMS
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Crescent Head in NSW recorded the country’s biggest rent rise over the past year.
any investors who bought property in regional tree-change areas during COVID-19 are now working out what to do as the pandemic, hopefully, subsides. Many moved temporarily to their new homes as the cities went into lockdown and, as a result, enjoyed a comparatively free period in much less densely populated locations. Some enjoyed it so much, they’ve decided to stay in an era when it’s now much easier to work from home. “I was one of those,” says Luke Harris, chief executive of The Property Mentors and coauthor of the property investors’ guide Let’s Get Real. “I bought a place at Airlie Beach in the Whitsundays and shifted there from Melbourne. “I’m lucky to be in the financial situation where I can enjoy a split between both places, with a Melbourne apartment to go to when I need to be in the city and the beach place.” For others, it’s more of a choice between letting out their property as a regular residential tenancy – especially with low rental vacancy rates and high rents in many regional areas – or putting it on a short-stay platform.
Nathan Lewes, managing director of boutique investment firm AssetBase, says it’s a very common quandary. He’s been advising his owners to let their houses and apartments to long-term renters, often with longer leases to avoid the costs of re-advertising.
“Short-stay can be interesting, but the risks are higher.” “Rents have really gone up in a lot of regional areas and, in a lot of instances, you’re looking at a rental return of 5 to 5.5 per cent, which is really, really good,” he says. “For short-term lets, however, you’re looking at cleaning costs and management costs and all the additional work that comes with it. If you have three or four properties you can balance that out by doing it
full-time but otherwise you’ll be paying a pretty penny for the service. Also, you might find it hard during the winter months ... or when people do end up going back to work.” Rents generally have been strong in most regional areas, rising by more than 50 per cent in some areas as tree-changers on city wages move in and price locals out of the market. The NSW town of Crescent Head saw the country’s biggest rent rise over the past year of 54.5 per cent, according to the Domain House Rent Report for the final three months of 2021. “High rents and low vacancies in regional areas have been creating pressures for landlords to sign longer-term residential leases,” says Emily Sim, chief executive of property management with the Ray White Group. “Tenants are having so much trouble finding a property, they want to hang on to it. “So, I would say it’s OK for investors to go into long-term tenancy agreements, having negotiated rental increases in advance. That can be a win-win for both sides. Short-stay can be interesting, but the risks are higher, there’s greater wear and tear on the property and you still have to pay tax on proceeds.” Also, if you do intend to stay in your property yourself, then you won’t be able to claim as much in tax breaks and expenses, Harris says, and you might be missing out on the most lucrative income at the most popular times. “It might be wiser to just stay in a hotel when you want to go there,” he says.
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‘Fiddlehead Farm’ is the ultimate lifestyle retreat; uniquely private, uniquely secure and located at the very end of a private road overlooking the Conondale Valley.
‘FIDDLEHEAD FARM’ REESVILLE SUNSHINE COAST QUEENSLAND
The brief was to establish a family home environment, creating the very finest residential examples, showcasing them with the highest level of materials and building integrity combined with some of the most picturesque real estate the Sunshine Coast has to offer. 358 acres across two titles provides the perfect setting for equestrian pursuits, river walks, observation points across wildlife sanctuary trails, bell bird and koala habitats which are exclusively yours.
• 10 minutes to Maleny Village • 3 separate biodynamic orchards • 7km internal roads, including 3km bitumen • 3km meandering frontage to Elamen Creek • Rich fertile soils • 100Kw solar array with battery and diesel backup • High speed internet connection • Elevated to capture range breezes • Stunning parterre and landscaped gardens • Some of the Sunshine Coast’s finest geography
8 Bed | 6 Bath | 8 Car | 358 acres Price Expressions of Interest Inspect By Private Appointment Danny Redman Jonny Marshall Office
0418 731 588 0481 102 039 (07) 5445 2844
www.kenguybuderim.com.au
Business and Premises of Rococo on Noosa’s Hastings Street An undeniable magnet for millions of national and international visitors annually is Hastings Street. Sitting plum in its absolute heart near the famous treed roundabout, several beach towel lengths from Noosa Main Beach, is the matchless corner premises of Rococo Bistro & Bar. This highly profitable multi award-winning business attracts over 100,000 customers annually, and this complete package of a triple-A restaurant business and premises in Hastings Street is a rare find. 51/42 Hastings Street, Noosa Heads, Qld. $17.5M
S E E M O R E AT O F F E R M A N N . C O M . A U
Agents: Tiffany Wilson 0468 922 519 Tom Offermann 0412 711 888 NOOSA’S HOME OF PRESTIGE PROPERTY
Doorstep of Little Cove Beach, Lush Rainforest Backdrop Minutes from Little Cove Beach in an exclusive enclave, cosseted by the Noosa National Park, is Serenity Cove, a holiday home with back-to-back bookings. Note the contemporary aesthetic, double height windows and feel instantly connected to life outdoors with its panoramic backdrop, and glistening pool wrapped by expansive terraces taking centre stage. Views from the upper-level super-sized master suites, each with spa, are equally sensational. Auction Sunday 27 February 11.00am 4
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S E E M O R E AT O F F E R M A N N . C O M . A U 4/1-7 Bayview Road, Noosa Heads
Agent: Chris Miller 0412 894 542 chris@offermann.com.au NOOSA’S HOME OF PRESTIGE PROPERTY
Sunshine Coast
EXCEPTIONAL NOOSA HINTERLAND HOME 14 Mango Court, DOONAN It’s hard to describe the sense of peace this home evokes. Entered along a winding driveway bordered by tropical gardens, it’s the most private and tranquil property we’ve ever listed. Just minutes from the beaches and restaurants of Noosa, 14 Mango Court combines industrial styling with natural timber & stone finishes to create a bespoke home which fits perfectly within its environs. Quite simply, it makes you feel.
• • • • • • • • •
3.8 private & peaceful acres Polished concrete floors 3.6m ceilings Light-filled living spaces Huge covered entertaining deck Designer kitchen Gorgeous master suite Fruit trees & raised veggie beds Beautiful landscaped gardens
3
2.5
7
3.8 acres
FOR SALE Offers over $2.95M Inspect: By private appointment Nigel Jackson 0497 338 395 nigel@jacksonjones.com.au
kayburton.com.au
Fifteen meticulously-considered homes, nestled within the glittering harbour-side jewel of Point Piper. Bathed in indulgence. A life, surrounded by beauty. To live at Piper is to live well.
Inspired by the intimacy and grandeur of a private estate, Piper represents an unprecedented moment. Waiting to be seized, yet never to be repeated.
Book your private appointment. piperpointpiper.com.au 1800 028 077
This advertisement includes indicative information only. The images used are indicative only.