Anasthasia Blair was renting an apartment with a voucher when learned she had won a housing lottery apartment. She moved into a one-bedroom unit with her daughter, and said it gave her the stability to eventually find a place with more room for her family. Here’s her story as told to Brick Underground Senior Writer Celia Young.

I’m from New York City. I grew up in the Bed-Stuy area of Brooklyn, and did a lot of moving around, going to college upstate and living in Atlanta for a short time. I moved to New Jersey for three years, and then I came back to New York in 2022 after I gave birth to my daughter. 

When I moved back to New York, I went into a domestic violence family shelter with my daughter for about nine months. Then I found an apartment on Trulia that I could afford with a housing voucher. But I always felt, for years, that a NYC Housing Connect apartment was going to come through for me. I applied almost every day.

I was right. After I was in that apartment for about eight months, I got called for a lottery unit.

If at first you’re not accepted, appeal

My application was initially denied for that lottery apartment in December 2023. So I immediately filed an appeal. Within the same week, they accepted my appeal, and in the same email, I was invited to see the unit without a fight. 

It seemed like they didn’t review my eligibility carefully, because they said that my voucher didn’t cover the rent that they were asking for—which was untrue. CityFHEPS was covering $2,387 at that time, and the rent they requested was $2,200. So I was able to use my voucher for that unit. That just goes to show that the marketing agents are not paying attention to the voucher amounts, and the standard pricing with or without utilities. 

I always encourage folks to appeal. Do not let them tell you no without asking questions. The appeal box allows you to ask questions and put your application back under review, and you have one week to appeal. 

Renting with her CityFHEPS voucher

It was my first time going to see a housing lottery unit, so I didn’t know what to expect. But when I saw the unit, the building, and the amenities, it was so cute. I was super excited. 

I told them I wanted to move forward, submitted additional documents, and then I had to wait for my file to be approved by HPD. It took them exactly four months to get my paperwork together, because I have a CityFHEPS voucher so that took four months to all fall into place. I was in the unit around April 17th.

I was able to keep using my voucher because I still qualify. My rent has gone up about $60 since I moved in, and when it goes up, I just automatically process it with CityFHEPS.

Moving in—after getting a few fixes

Honestly speaking, when I got into the apartment, it was not ready. It seems like they had been making additional renovations to the unit, and they had to fix some stuff. That was really disappointing. 

The toilet seat wasn’t on. They had a new one—it was just sitting next to the toilet and they just had to put it on. There was a crack in the ceiling, above the hallway closet. And then there was minor cleaning that needed to be done in the bathroom. I gave them two days before I moved in to fix it, so that everything was set up for my daughter and me. They fixed it pretty fast. That’s one thing I will say about my building—I love the response time to tickets for maintenance issues.

Once I was in, I was happy. My previous apartment was really old, so I was really happy to see the updated appliances. I have a dishwasher, washing machine and dryer, and central air. 

Why she’s moving (again!)

I’m in the process of relocating again because the unit is absolutely too small. When you have a growing child, it’s difficult to stay in such a small space. So I am relocating to a two bedroom apartment.

The lottery apartment was what I needed at the time, and it was a great experience living there. The in-unit washer and a dryer saved me multiple trips to the laundry. As a working single mom, it can be hard to find time to do laundry. Amenities like a gym and roof deck that I’m able to access whenever I want has helped [me become who] I am today. 

I’m a big advocate for fair rents. I work at the housing nonprofit New Destiny Housing but before that, I also started my own nonprofit organization called AB Bridge To Breakthrough Project, where I help individuals and families with their Housing Connect applications. I provide resources on my Instagram and Tiktok, to educate people on what’s going on with NYC housing. 

I’m very thankful that I’ve experienced [living in a housing lottery apartment], and that I believed in the process. And I think that it’s something that every New Yorker should consider. You can find stability through the housing lottery if you’re willing to wait. There are new developments being built, so depending on how patient you are, it can work out for you.

Owning a home is often regarded as one of the most significant investments an individual can make.

Beyond the financial commitment, a home embodies dreams, memories, and a sense of belonging.

It is a sanctuary where families grow, celebrations occur, and life’s milestones are marked. The emotional attachment to a home is profound, making the thought of losing it an unimaginable hardship.

Yet, despite the best intentions and efforts, there are times when the unthinkable becomes reality as the following homeowners have found out.

NSW couple face $1m fine for living in tiny house

A couple in New South Wales is facing potential homelessness or a $1 million fine after being ordered by the local council to demolish their tiny house.

Manu Bohn and his partner, who built the tiny home on a friend’s farm in the Bega Valley in 2023, are caught in a legal bind due to the structure being deemed unauthorised under NSW Environmental Planning legislation.

The couple, who turned to this affordable housing option following the Black Summer bushfires and rising property costs, could face severe penalties if they do not comply.

Mr Bohn recently expressed the difficulty of the situation online, highlighting the lack of affordable housing and the threat of becoming homeless.

“If you live in the Bega Valley you will have seen homelessness, limited rental stock, soaring rents and property sales prices all contributing to people living in caravans and other movable dwellings,” the 30-year-old, who moved to Australia from Brazil in 2018, wrote in a petition launched on change.org.

“The sad reality is that many families who love this place are leaving because they can’t afford to stay here any more.”
The tiny house, which was their only viable living option, now leaves them with an uncertain future.

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Horrific reason couple’s $660k home became too dangerous to live in

A young family on the Gold Coast was devastated to find their newly purchased home infested with termites, just three months after buying it for $660,000.

Shaun and Sarah Sarson were assured by a building inspector that the property was free of issues.

However, Mrs Sarson soon discovered termites emerging from a bathroom power point, describing the scene as akin to a horror movie.

The infestation was so severe that the family had to vacate the premises and file an insurance claim.

A second inspector confirmed the extensive damage, suggesting demolition and rebuild as the only viable solution.

I’ve done a lot of crying, also we have little kids, they are two and three years old and just finding out that…it wasn’t even safe to be in here, there are holes in the major beams,’ Mrs Sarson told the Daily Mail.

It was revealed that a previous prospective buyer had identified termite issues and shared the report with the real estate agent, who claimed no obligation to disclose such problems to future buyers.

The Real Estate Institute of Queensland reiterated that agents and sellers are not required to volunteer information about property issues, emphasising the principle of ‘buyer beware’.

Family ordered to cut off side of new home after ‘clear violation’

A family on the Gold Coast was compelled to alter their new home due to an oversight that resulted in two properties being constructed just 40 centimetres apart.

Kathy Morin and Devon Matsalla faced difficulties completing their home in Coomera Waters because builders couldn’t fit scaffolding between the structures.

An investigation by Gold Coast City Council revealed that the neighbour’s building plans violated setback requirements.

Despite the neighbour’s belief that their plans were approved, the council found the second floor non-compliant and ordered a 1.5-metre reduction from the completed home.

In 2022, after an almost year-long saga, Ms Morin said she finally felt vindicated.

“I mean, finally justice was done. We’d been waiting so long and so stressed out,” she said.

Canberra family’s dream $1.8m house in Reid to be demolished

A Canberra family was left devastated in 2021, after discovering asbestos in their newly purchased $1.8 million heritage home, rendering it unlikeable.

Dean Papas and his wife, who bought the 1927-built property in Reid, had extensively renovated it before uncovering asbestos fibres in the ceiling.

The discovery linked their home to the Mr Fluffy asbestos scandal, where loose fibres were blown into homes between 1968 and 1979.

Despite urgent testing confirming asbestos presence, the family had to temporarily reside in the house during Canberra’s lockdown.

The government has since purchased the property back, with demolition scheduled for early 2022.

Mr Papas, a builder, now advocates for mandatory asbestos testing for homes built before the 1980s to prevent similar situations.

Couple ordered to demolish dream home

A UK couple have been ordered to demolish their £1 million ($A2 million) home after violating planning regulations.

Initially granted permission to build a stallion semen collection centre and laboratory, Jeremy and Elaine Zielinski instead constructed a three-bedroom residential home in Great Abingdon, Cambridgeshire.

The council discovered the unauthorised dwelling and mandated its demolition.

Despite appealing the decision, the couple’s appeal was rejected, with the planning inspector noting the property was intended as a residence from the outset, lacking any laboratory or business facilities.

The pair were also criticised for their “clear and flagrant breach of planning policy”.

The Zielinskis, who were unaware of their breach, now face losing their investment and home, expressing their desire to continue living in the comfortable residence.

“We want to carry on living here. It’s a warm and comfortable home. I love it,” Mrs Zielinski, 79, told the Daily Mail.

“It doesn’t make sense to tear it down. I don’t want to go and live in a caravan. If we are chucked out, we will be having to rely on the state.

“We would not have gone on and built this and put all our money into it unless we thought it was totally legal to do it.”

Dream retirement home to be demolished – five years after it was built

A couple’s £725,000 ($A 1.2 million) retirement home in Cambridgeshire was set for demolition due to severe structural issues in 2021, only five years after it was built.

Originally constructed in 2018, the five-bedroom house was plagued by metre-long cracks caused by swelling clay soil beneath its foundations.
Madeline and Alastair Price, aged 70 and 69, could no longer open the front door, and insurers deemed the damage irreparable, ordering a complete rebuild.

The couple’s home, situated in the village of Wicken, was intended as a dream countryside retreat.
However, the expanding clay soil had lifted the house, causing significant structural damage. Despite a 10-year guarantee under Local Authority Building Control, the builders failed to account for the soil conditions.

The Prices’ received compensation to rent a property for six months during the rebuild, but were uncertain at time of reporting, if they will return or sell the home once completed.

Family’s home so defective, experts recommend it be demolished

A couple’s dream to build a waterfront home for their blended family in Primrose Sands, Tasmania, turned into a nightmare.
Kev Haley and Sonia Gardner faced numerous construction defects in 2021, leading experts to recommend demolishing the unfinished house.

The couple, who began the project in 2016, encountered issues such as water ingress and improperly installed windows.

After severing ties with their builder, a surveyor identified 47 defects, including corroding structural steel.

The estimated cost to demolish and rebuild is $2.4 million, far beyond their budget.

Despite seeking help from the state’s building regulator, they received little assistance and have spent $340,000 on legal fees.

The ordeal has taken a severe emotional toll, leading to family separation and ongoing financial strain.

The case highlights broader issues in Tasmania’s building industry, with calls for improved oversight and regulation.

The post Dream homes turn to dust: Couples’ heartbreaking demolitions appeared first on realestate.com.au.

The striking family home of AFL father and son duo Mark and Lachie Hunter, as well as lacrosse World Cup player Colleen Hunter, has been listed for sale in Williamstown.

A Footscray Football Club stalwart who played 130 games with the side from 1988-1996, Mark Hunter has gone on to a post footy career as a horse racing form analyst and professional punter with the RSN radio network.

His son, Lachie, who grew up in the home for several years, played 173 games with the Bulldogs including their premiership win in 2016.

He also collected the clubs best and fairest Charles Sutton Medal in 2018, and played 26 games for the Melbourne Football Club from 2023-2024.

But the family home at 74 Morris St, Williamstown, is now just home to Mr Hunter and his wife Colleen — who represented Australia in four lacrosse World Cups.

So they have decided to list the 953sq m property for sale, with a $4.35m-$4.75m asking price.

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The house has had a substantial overhaul since the pair bought it as a beach shack in 2007 for $1.78m, with a striking, angular facade making a big first impression that continues inside.

The property now includes a four-bedroom floorplan with a lift between its two levels, as well as a pool and spa deck.

A home theatre at the rear spills out to the pool area, while the main bedroom also has a view of the water feature.

But day-to-day life is centred on the upper floor where an open-plan living and dining zone, with a smart kitchen at one end, is set between two balconies.

Jellis Craig Inner West’s Sam Wilson and Greg Cusack are handling the sale.

Mr Cusack said after two weeks on the market the home had attracted strong numbers of interested buyers, with the “overwhelming appeal” thanks to the property’s location and views.

The agent said one buyer in particular was eyeing the home office with the view across the Downer Oval home of the VFL’s Williamstown Seagulls to an impressive water vista as the perfect work-from-home space.

“They love the idea of sitting upstairs in the study where they can enjoy the view,” Mr Cusack said.

“And with the space in the living zones and the ceiling heights give it a real feeling of space.”

While many of the buyers were locals, some were coming from across “the bridge” from suburbs including Fitzroy, Carlton and Richmond. Others were eyeing the home from Essendon.

Expressions of interest for the home at No. 74 Morris St close at 5pm, June 12.

While the Hunters have loved their time at the home, they are renewing their plans to sell after realising they weren’t quite ready to part ways with it during an earlier sales campaign in 2021.

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The post Bulldogs great Mark Hunter lists $4m+ Williamstown home appeared first on realestate.com.au.

Would you be willing to pay $165,000 for a room in the heart of Adelaide?

One couple was, and they outbid eight other keen buyers to secure it.

The furnished studio apartment with a bathroom, a total of 25sqm, at 420/12-20 Bailey St sold for $165,700 – that’s just over $6600 per square metre.

Selling agent Daniel Seach, of Ray White Black Forest, said it was one of several studio apartments in its building, which was understood to have once been a pub.

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“They’re basically one bedroom, one bathroom, almost like hotel rooms really,” he said.

The building has shared laundry facilities and is within walking distance of Chinatown, Rundle Mall, university campuses and public transport.

According to property records, the studio at 420 last sold in 2002 for $65,000.

Mr Seach said the seller rented it out as a holiday rental for a long time but since decided it was time to offload it.

It attracted strong interest in the short time it was on the market before a couple who owned another apartment in the building snapped it up, Mr Seach said.

“They bought it for their daughter to use for uni,” he said.

“We had nine offers in the end on this one, every single person was unconditional.”

Studio apartments like it are common across the city, with Mr Seach explaining many self-managed super fund buyers or those looking to get into the property market use them as short-term rentals.

“It’s primarily for the rental yield,” he said.

Mr Seach said prices for the apartments in the building had surged since the Covid pandemic.

The post Adelaide studio apartment sells in $165,700 deal appeared first on realestate.com.au.

A stunning rustic retreat frequented by Hollywood star Margot Robbie has hit the market with a $4.9m asking price.

The Barbie star has visited the secluded acreage property several times over the past year, it can be revealed.

Known as The Orchard, the 2.99ha holding is set amid rainforest in the picturesque Tallebudgera Valley on the Gold Coast – not far from where the 34-year-old actor spent her childhood.

The property at 149 Petsch Creek Rd, which had operated as a short-term holiday rental, is marketed by Coastal agent, Ed Cherry.

Owner Chris Lang purchased the estate in April last year, but is selling up to pursue another opportunity with wife Chloe, who operates popular eateries, Tarte Bakery and Beach House.

Mr Cherry said a creek ran through the property, which was surrounded on three sides by national park, forming a “private oasis”.

“This is a very special place and it’s been Margot’s retreat. She stays in the guest accommodation when she is here,” he said.

“It feels likes a slice of the Byron Hinterland paradise but in the middle of the Gold Coast, where you have privacy but also proximity.

“And the property itself is like an island with 500m of creek frontage, so you cross a concrete bridge over the water when you enter.”

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The main residence is a renovated modern farmhouse combining contemporary comfort and country charm, with features including timber floors, panelled walls, and French doors.

Three bedrooms and three bathrooms are set over two levels, anchored by open-plan living spaces and a beautiful kitchen with a butler’s pantry and servery window opening onto wraparound decking.

A shed has been converted into guest accommodation or a separate entertainment space, complete with a bar, wood heater, and freestanding tub.

Other features include a pool with sun deck, pizza oven, infrared barrel sauna, ice bath, hot tub and an outdoor shower – together creating an ideal bush-style antidote to a Barbie dream house.

The property is named for its abundance of fruit and nut trees, veggie gardens and landscaped grounds.

“It is a hidden, high-end escape to reconnect, rejuvenate and simply soak up the beauty of nature,” the listing states.

Three-time Oscar nominee Robbie and her husband Tom Ackerley are based in the US and returned to Queensland in the Easter holidays for the first time since welcoming a son in October last year.

PropTrack data shows the median house price in Tallebudgera Valley has dropped 16 per cent to $1.84m over the past 12 months, following huge growth since the pandemic boom.

The post Margot Robbie’s secret Aussie farm stay for sale appeared first on realestate.com.au.