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Mortgage lender Lower acquires Movoto and parent OJO

The deal will give Lower greater reach, while also contributing to an “end-to-end homeownership” platform — increasingly the holy grail of real estate technology.

May 14, 2025/0 Comments/by JKents
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Berkshire Hathaway, Crye-Leike attempts to transfer case denied

The denial by Judge Stephen Bough is the latest in a string of court losses for the two remaining real estate companies that have yet to reach settlement agreements in homeseller commission cases.

May 14, 2025/0 Comments/by JKents
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How to save $1300 a year on your power bill

Homeowners could save up to $1300 a year on their power bill but knowledge gaps and upfront costs are major barriers to electrification and sustainable upgrades within Aussie homes.

According to the second PropTrack Origin Australian Home Energy Report, based on insights from over 4800 participants in the realestate.com.au Residential Audience Pulse Survey, more than half of Australians (56 per cent) plan to improve their home’s energy efficiency within the next five years as they see it as a way of saving on their electricity bills.

When homeowners were asked the reasons why they would switch to more energy-efficient appliances, 68 per cent said it was due to cost of living and the price of energy, outweighing the 55 per cent who cited environmental concerns.

On average, households intend to spend $7950 on energy-efficient upgrades over five years, indicating a potential $80 billion in national investment.

While the initial upfront cost can appear daunting, savings estimate by the Climate Council show Victorians could save $1301 a year by shifting gas appliances to all electric and removing gas supply charge fees.

Supplied Real Estate Source: PropTrack Origin Australian Home Energy Report

Source: PropTrack Origin Australian Home Energy Report

Tasmanians could also save around $1311 annually, while savings dip slightly in Queensland and the ACT, down to $1233 and $1236 respectively.

In SA, homeowners would stand to save $948 on their power bill, followed by $898 in NSW and $336 in WA.

It means that for most Australians, the savings could cover close – if not all annual power expenses.

The release of the report comes as hundreds of thousands of Australians are likely to be slugged with higher energy prices after July 1, this year, as authorities warn they will up the maximum level energy companies can charge.

In a draft decision landing on the cusp of a federal election, the Australian Energy Regulator in March recommended an increase to the so-called default market offer (DMO) in multiple states.

Supplied Real Estate Source: PropTrack Origin Australian Home Energy Report

Source: PropTrack Origin Australian Home Energy Report

It will see benchmark price climb by up to 8.9 per cent for some households in New South Wales, 5.8 per cent in southeast Queensland, and 5.1 per cent in South Australia.

REA Group Senior Economist, Eleanor Creagh said rising costs of living had now placed affordability at the forefront of household concerns, with homeowners and renters seeking solutions to reduce energy bills.

“Making the switch to all-electric appliances in the home could help save costs, reduce energy use, and lower carbon emissions,” she said.

“Yet, upfront costs and knowledge gaps are significant barriers preventing many from adopting energy efficient features. By addressing these barriers effectively, we can accelerate the transition toward more energy efficient homes to benefit both the environment and household

budgets.

“It’s clear that people with a good understanding of energy efficiency are more likely to make

upgrades to their home and alter their behaviour to reduce energy use. This indicates that wider education is crucial to improving energy efficiency across Australia.”

PropTrack senior economist Eleanor Creagh says cost of living pressure forced more homeowners to look at ways to reduce household bills.

While saving on their energy costs is the biggest motivator for Australians to make home energy upgrades, Origin Retail Executive General Manager, Jon Briskin, said the report’s finding showed many don’t know where to start.

“We’re committed to supporting our customers to take control of their energy with a range of

useful tools and information. This includes our app, energy rewards program and podcast to

help Australians improve their energy efficiency, bring energy bills down and move toward

electrification,” he said.

“Small changes to energy habits and upgrading to more efficient appliances within their budget is a good starting point for many households.”

A guide to electrifying the home

Electrifying your home is switching appliances powered by gas – think cooking, hot water and heating over to efficient electric alternatives.

It’s a smart move for future-proofing your home, reducing energy bills and your carbon footprint in the process.

If you’re building or renovating, it’s an ideal time to install all-electric appliances like induction cooktops, electric hot water, heat pumps, and reverse-cycle heating and cooling. While upfront costs may be higher, efficient electric options often have lower running costs over time.

If you have rooftop solar, you can use the energy you generate during the day to power your home, which can lower your energy bills.

Plus, if you add a battery, you can store all your unused solar energy (rather than send it back to the grid) and use it when the sun isn’t shining or during blackouts.

The savings can really add up and help you be more energy independent.

The post How to save $1300 a year on your power bill appeared first on realestate.com.au.

May 14, 2025/0 Comments/by JKents
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Rooftop gym, sky pool and sneaker wall: Culture Kings founders’ $30m penthouse sale

The Altitude penthouse at 7001/4 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise.

Young Aussie richlisters, Culture Kings co-founders Simon and Tahnee Beard, have made a bold play with their jawdropping $30m penthouse.

Dubbed Australia’s most talked about penthouse, the lavish Gold Coast sky-home is the crowning jewel of the ‘Soul’ building in Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast and has been up for sale since June last year with a $30m price tag.

The couple are determined to fetch a strong price for the home, relisting it for sale with a new agency via an expressions of interest campaign run by Amir Mian and Marc Keswell of Amir Prestige Group.

Altitude is for sale via expressions of interest.

QLD_CM_REALESTATE_CULTUREKINGS$30MPENTHOUSE_31MAY24

Simon and Tah-nee Beard. Picture, John Gass

Altitude is described as the most extraordinary penthouse in Australia.

The agents describe the residence named ‘Altitude’, as the crown jewel of Queensland’s coastline and “the most extraordinary penthouse in Australia”.

“Rising above Surfers Paradise and commanding the top four entire levels of Soul – the Gold Coast’s most prestigious oceanfront tower – this residence is more than a penthouse; it is an international architectural landmark, a private world in the sky, and the highest vertical expression of lifestyle, luxury, and location ever brought to market,” the listing states.

“Occupying an awe-inspiring 1,070 sqm of internal and external space, Altitude is one of the highest sky homes in the southern hemisphere.”

Enjoy endless ocean views.

A lounge area.

One of the living areas.

There are five bedrooms, including a master suite with his and hers walk-in wardrobes and bathrooms, multiple dining and sitting rooms, two lounge rooms, a study, a library, a kitchen with a giant butler’s pantry, an outdoor gym, an internal lift, a huge entertaining area, and a cigar lounge and bar.

Half of the library is dedicated to a wall containing more than $1m worth of Mr Beard’s sneakers.

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The latest auction and sales results

Mega deal: Two apartments sell for $19m

The sneaker wall.

The bar.

The pool.

“Altitude is more than a penthouse,” the listing states.

“It is the final word in prestige real estate on the Gold Coast and the most distinguished address in Queensland.”

The Beards sold their majority stake in Culture Kings for $600m in 2021 and rewarded themselves with some of the Gold Coast’s most expensive properties — including the Soul penthouse.

Altitude penthouse crowns the Soul building.

The kitchen.

The sky-high gym.

They paid $15.25m cash for the property in July, 2021 — a record for an apartment sale in Queensland at the time.

The Beards started out in 2008 selling clothing imported from the US from a stall in the Carrara Markets, and soon grew to become a global fashion brand.

They are understood to have a personal combined net worth of $626m.

The Beards, who have four children, remain in Surfers Paradise in another luxury property on Isle of Capri.

One of the bedrooms.

The post Rooftop gym, sky pool and sneaker wall: Culture Kings founders’ $30m penthouse sale appeared first on realestate.com.au.

May 14, 2025/0 Comments/by JKents
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Online betting guru sells Byron Bay home for likely loss

Online betting guru Andrew Fahey, the co-founder of PointsBet has taken a significant loss on his side project.

Andrew Fahey, the PointsBet cloud-based wagering platform co-founder, and his partner Katrina Luland have secured the sale of their two Bryon properties.

Their Myocum retreat, Las Palmas, listed with a $9m hopes in 2023 has finally been sold. Myocum, a small town 16km northwest of Byron Bay, in the foothills of the Nightcap Mountain Ranges, saw a record price when Fahey paid $8.2m in 2021.

MORE: Bizarre feature of Hemsworth’s $50m Byron Bay home

PointsBet founder Andrew Fahey and wife Katrina Luland have sold at Myocum.

There has no sale price reveal of what the online betting entrepreneur secured earlier this month for the retreat, but the recent guidance had been considerably lower for the five bedroom, three bathroom home on 2.4-hectares.

The 2020 house came with mid-century influenced design inspired by architect Robin Boyd’s iconic Fenner House when crafted by DUO Architects in association with Davis Architects.,

It was initially listed in 2023 by Fahey after the couple secured a beach shack across the road from Clarkes Beach in Byron for $5.4m.

MORE: Trashed ‘****hole’: wild home sale sparks controversy

One of the home’s five bedrooms.

It last sold for $8.2m.

You can bet this is a great place to spend summer.

The Lighthouse Road cottage onsold last month for $5.85m.

Andrew Fahey co-founded PointsBet with brother Nick and Sam Swanell in 2015.

The ASX-listed bookmaker remains in play with suitor Japanese entertainment giant Mixi.

NRL Rd 24 - Sharks v Knights

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 18: Knights players react during the round 24 NRL match between Cronulla Sharks and Newcastle Knights at PointsBet Stadium, on August 18, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)


MORE: What your home could be worth in 2030

The post Online betting guru sells Byron Bay home for likely loss appeared first on realestate.com.au.

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No way! What 75pc of Aussies don’t want in their home

Multi-Generational Family for Housing Density

It’s the one thing that a vast majority of Aussies just won’t do when it comes to their home. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

It’s the one thing that a vast majority of Aussies just won’t do when it comes to their home and it’s sure to upset the family.

A new study has revealed what is really taboo to Australian homeowners’ today in our rough and tumble housing market.

According to LJ Hooker’s third annual survey on homebuyer behaviour and attitudes – How Australian Families Are Rethinking the Family Home – only one in four Australians are open to living with their in-laws.

And of that lowly 25 per cent, more than half (50 per cent) have revealed that if they were to do so, ideally they would want a self-contained space for their in-laws such as a separate granny flat.

MORE: Bizarre feature of Hemsworth’s $50m Byron Bay home

MULTI-GENERATIONAL LIVING

Multi-generational living – no thanks. Picture: Brett Hartwig. Picture:Brett Hartwig

It is further evidence of the freshly evolving trend for Aussies in regard to their homes, the desire for personal space and for their property to be divided into different spaces for different purposes.

LJ Hooker Group Head of Research, Mathew Tiller, said that the study illustrated that “while family dynamics have shifted in recent years, the desire for space and independence remain as important as ever”.

“Multi-generational living comes with plenty of benefits — not just financial — but it has to be a workable model,” Mr Tiller said.

“That’s why granny flats and separate homes on the same block are so popular. They let people enjoy the upsides of living together — like connection and support — while still having their own space.

“Parents also see the value in kids having their own bedroom — even if it might be cheaper to have them share.”

MORE: Trashed ‘****hole’: wild home sale sparks controversy

A 7-bedroom home with panoramic views that’s designed for multi-generational living. Outdoor areas include a covered barbecue area with electronic louvres, a heated pool and another space geared for outoor movie nights.

That was borne out in another revealing finding from the study. That is:

+ shared bedrooms for children are a deal-breaker for many parents, with 60 per cent saying they would not consider a home where siblings would have to share a room. And:

+ Parental support extends well into adulthood, however, 42 per of parents expect their children to pay rent after turning 18. With most parents expecting their children to move out around age 28.

As a result of Aussies’ home preferences multi-generational living remains uncommon in Australia and that is unlikely to change any time soon – despite astronomical property prices sparking the conversation.

However finances might mean, that many families won’t simply have a choice.

“Housing dynamics have shifted in recent years, leading more families to live with their in-laws or adult children staying at home longer,” Mr Tiller said.

MORE: What homes will be worth in each suburb by 2030

Garden Studios granny flats - for herald sun real estate

Granny flats are a fall back.

“Housing affordability challenges are undoubtedly influencing these decisions. Many families depend on dual incomes to manage their mortgage, and having in-laws live with them can be beneficial for all, including providing childcare.

“Interestingly, not everyone thinks adult children should pay rent to live in the family home. Some parents recognise how hard it can be to get a foothold on the property ladder and see this as a way of supporting their kids.”

What Aussies want in a home varies wildly due to age, according to the study:

+ Younger Australians value formal living and dining spaces more than older generations, with 69 per cent of Gen Z considering them relevant compared to 37 per cent per centof Baby Boomers.

NSW house growth and falls - Saturday Telegraph Case Study

The kids can stay until they are 28. Picture: Jonathan Ng

And:

+ A quiet, peaceful atmosphere is the most important factor in choosing a community, with 52 per cent of families prioritising the importance of a school zone when buying a home.

“Younger buyers are often choosing smaller homes, so they see more value in having space to entertain,” Mr Tiller said.

“Older generations have often lived in homes with formal areas that weren’t always fully used.

“Ultimately, most Australians just want a home that’s peaceful, safe, and somewhere they can truly relax.


“We need to build more homes of all types to meet the diverse needs of our growing population. We need more people living near the services they rely on and the amenities they want to enjoy, increasing liveability and reducing transport strain.”

The post No way! What 75pc of Aussies don’t want in their home appeared first on realestate.com.au.

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70 new homes bound for Gabba precinct in lead-up to 2032 Games

A collection of 72 premium apartments is coming to East Brisbane, with a design that takes cues from an iconic Queensland plant.

The 10-storey tower at 169 Wellington Rd is named the Banksii: named after the Grevillea Banksii, which can be found right across the road in Raymond Park.

Designed by Mas Architects, managing director Nick Symonds said the building’s look was created with its views of nature and the Brisbane River in mind.

An artist’s impression of the exterior of ‘Banksii’ by Mas Architects. Image supplied.

“The screen elements on the front facade … they reference the flower in terms of its symmetry and its softer elements,” he said.

RELATED: Affordable housing units fast-tracked in development for inner-city residents

“We really just designed the building to reflect that viewpoint and connect back to the park.”

The building sits on a 1619 sqm block, and features one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom offerings for residents.

Developed by Vector Property Group, rooms will have a subtropical design and a focus on natural light, along with outdoor living spaces for time under the sun.

“[There’s] a real focus on new lines and opening up interiors to the outside,” Mr Symonds said. “I think the indoor-outdoor feeling is obviously a reflection of our Queensland lifestyle, where we like to dine and BBQ outside.”

An artist’s impression of the view from the rooftop of ‘Banksii’, which is bound for East Brisbane. Image supplied.

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Handbag heir sells lavish Byron Bay hinterland estate for $30m

In addition, residents will be able to share gym and rooftop facilities proposed by the developer, which include a swimming pool, pool deck, bar and alfresco dining spaces.

“Even with apartments that don’t look back onto the city, they also get the opportunity to see the roofline and experience that in those communal spaces,” Mr Symonds said.

A retail offering will also be present on the ground floor, expected to be a coffee shop.

Mas Architects managing director Nick Symonds said it was another step to shaping Brisbane for the future Olympic Games, along with the swan song of the nearby Gabba Stadium.

“Banksii is a statement project that reflects our ambition to help shape Brisbane’s evolving residential landscape,” Vector Property Australia joint managing director Rhett Williams said. “As our third project in Brisbane, it reflects the growing appetite for affordable luxury apartment living in the city’s expanding market. We see strong demand from buyers who want location, lifestyle, and considered design, and Banksii delivers on all three.”

Mr Symonds said it was one of many developments helping to reshape the spaces around the iconic Gabba Stadium, in advance of its swan song during the 2032 Olympic Games.

“It’s going to diversify and become a home for many new people, and it’s going to bring a lot of new opportunities,” he said.

Nine one-bedroom units, 36 two-bedroom units and 27 three-bedroom units will be available to purchase when the project goes to market.

Construction is estimated to start later in 2025, with an expected completion at the end of 2026.

The post 70 new homes bound for Gabba precinct in lead-up to 2032 Games appeared first on realestate.com.au.

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How much it costs to sell a home in Australia

Couple sitting on steps of charming suburban home

You could make big bucks from the sale of your home, but it won’t come cheap.

As the old adage goes, you have to spend money to make money – and in the world of real estate, this certainly rings true.

But just how much will you really be up for when you put your home on the market?

AGENT, MARKETING AND LEGAL

Ray White head of Performance and Recognition Bianca Denham says there are essentially three main costs when it comes to selling a home: the agent’s commission, marketing costs and legal costs.

In Australia and New Zealand, real estate agents generally set their sales commission within the range of about 2-3.5 per cent, she says, though this can sometimes vary.

REAL ESTATE STOCKS

Agent fees usually sit somewhere between 2-3.5 per cent. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Swift

“If I was selling a house for $1 million based on those numbers that would be somewhere between $20,000-$35,000,” she says.

Considered a “success fee”, the commission doesn’t get paid until the house is sold.

Marketing fees, on the other hand, are usually required to be paid upfront, she says.

“The marketing fee is an area for vendors to be wary of,” she adds.

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While some agencies offer to cover the cost of marketing, Denham cautions against this, explaining vendors might not get the best service under such an arrangement.

Marketing is usually provided by a third party, the cost of which is usually itemised and passed on to the vendor. By doing this, the vendor can see the value they have paid for.

Ray White head of performance and recognition Bianca Denham. Picture: supplied

“The price of the marketing is very area dependent because the portals will be priced on a click per view type of model,” she says. “If it’s a very heavily searched suburb, the portal price will be more expensive than a suburb that doesn’t have many clicks.”

“Generally the ranges around Australia and New Zealand will be from anywhere as low as maybe a couple of thousand dollars through to possibly $10-$15,000 or $20,000, depending on the property.”

Legal fees can be anywhere from $2000-$5000 depending on state-based requirements, she says.

Repainting the house might be worth doing to maximise the sales result.

EXTRA COSTS TO CONSIDER

Another expense that many sellers don’t think about is the cost of prepping their home for sale, says founder and managing director of Horwood Nolan Ben Horwood.

“The big one that most people spend the majority of their money on would be prep,” he says.

In Sydney’s inner west where he sells homes in the $3-4m range, vendors generally spend about $30,000-$50,000 getting their homes prepared for sale, doing things such as house washing, painting, window furnishing, floor covering and landscaping.

“Paint, landscaping and styling would be the top three that would make the most difference,” he says. “It can be 10-20 per cent of the value of the property.”

Designer Justine Wilson.

Director and principal stylist of Vault interiors Justine Wilson says the cost of staging a home can vary greatly across companies but is also dependent on the size of the home and style of the property.

The average partial style usually costs between $4000 and $8000 for a small home, which is a similar price to a full style, she says.

“A partial style isn’t necessarily always the cheaper option,” she says. “Quite often we’re quoting on removing and storing some of the owner’s items or the vendor may be looking at their own removal and storage facility, so they’re effectively paying double handling. Logistically there’s more labour and time.”

Aerial view over suburban Newcastle Australia

The cost of listing your home on a web portal varies depending on your suburb.

VALUE FOR MONEY

To get the best value for money, it’s important to choose your selling agent wisely, says Horwood.

“The number one thing you should be spending your money on is choosing a quality agent that’s going to give you good advice around what to spend money on and what not to spend money on,” he says.

In fact, by going with a low cost agent who promises a high price, it could cost you more.

“A lot of the time that can lead to extended times on the market because the property is priced too high and not prepared effectively and then it usually ends up costing them a lot more than the difference in the fees for an agent that’s going to give them quality advice and get it right the first time,” he said. “It’s a very, very, very expensive mistake to make.”

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The post How much it costs to sell a home in Australia appeared first on realestate.com.au.

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Inside ‘Billion Dollar Playground’s’ huge demands and luxury stays

The Billion Dollar Playground cast and luxury staff. Picture: Ben Symons

Caviar tins, Dom Perignon and luxury holiday homes is just another day in the billion dollar playground.

If you’ve ever wondered how the top 1 per cent travel, BINGE’s new TV series ‘Billion Dollar Playground’ offers a front-row seat, lifting the curtain on the ultra-exclusive world of luxury vacation rentals, following real life luxury holiday rental company Luxico.

See the video inside a ‘billion dollar playground’ experience.


Forget five-star hotels as the wealthy check into private mansions featuring tennis courts with stadium grade lighting, resort style pools, and bespoke furnishings.

For up to $30,000 a night, guests stay in some of the city’s prime real estate but not only that – they come with staff that cater to the extravagant wishes of the global elite.

Luxico’s stays are all across Australia, from Sydney’s Eastern suburbs all the way to Palm Beach, Port Douglas and Noosa.

Inside one of the homes you can rent through Luxico in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs.

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Alarming way Gen Z are getting homes

On the show we meet the real life luxury concierge’s Heaven and Jasmin, private chef’s, Aussie brothers Matt and George, French Butler JB and a bunch more of the luxury staff.

Where their rule of thumb is “if it’s legal, we’ll make it happen,” – the Luxico staff have seen their fair share of multimillion dollar homes.

MORE: Oroton heirs’ stunning $30m payday

Speaking to cast member Heaven, one of the concierge staff, she said what made a “billion dollar playground” property for her was opulent gates, tall ceilings and tree-lined winding driveways.

“This particularly property I’m thinking of there was something like 200 olive trees … it was a flex,” she said. “There was a glass wall that by the touch of a button it went down into the floor,” she added.

Inside one of the luxury homes on Billion Dollar Playground.

MORE: Hemsworth’s mind-blowing $50m home stuns

What homes will be worth in each suburb by 2030

“Another thing with ultra wealthy properties, there is a really nice interior and exterior flow. this one even a floor to ceiling aquarium.”

For George being a private chef, it was all about the kitchen.

“(A) property had three combi-ovens, that are about $60,000-$80,000 each … that for me as a chef is mind blowing, because the amount I can pump out is mind blowing.”

The cast also hinted to drama that unfolds between not just the demanding guests, but the service team themselves.

“It’s another day at the office,” George said. “For us a reality TV show is so far from reality … but this show is reality. It’s just another day at work.”

Heaven added that there was often some clashes in personalities that unravelled under pressure.

Chef George chats about rare ingredients being flow in by helicopter.

“My experience before moving to Australia was that I worked independently,” Heaven added. “So the biggest challenge sometimes, is working with different personalities.”

But the two both had some crazy stories of the demands of the ultra-wealthy guests.

“I once had a last minute dinner party that had to happen, it was a 10 person dinner party and they wanted a $20,000 flower installation flown in … that’s the most stress I’ve ever had I had a moment of doubt.”

Billion Dollar Playground

(L-R) Matt, Heaven, Jasmin, JB and George, from new Binge show, Billion Dollar Playground. Picture: Tim Hunter.

“However we figured it out, from the West Coast to the East Coast it came,” Heaven said.

“Mines very much the same but it’s a helicopter,” George said.

“It was a two-day stay and the guests decided they wanted a particular caviar not from this country, so it was a plane ride and a helicopter … I tell you what, when money isn’t an issue and there is no such thing as shallow pockets, the mind can run wild, anything is possible.”

Viewers can expect plenty of luxe properties, unique requests, and the pressures of delivering the unforgettable.

The first episode of the 8-part series is available now to stream on BINGE, with new episodes dropping weekly.

MORE: Surprise reason family refuse to live in house

‘Shock’: dilapidated home sells for jaw-dropping price

The post Inside ‘Billion Dollar Playground’s’ huge demands and luxury stays appeared first on realestate.com.au.

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How to unlock up to $20k in extra home value with easy DIY

Investors looking to sell their property can add an extra $10,000 to $20,000 in value by refreshing their bathroom through easy and inexpensive DIY, an industry expert said.

Celebrity interior designer and founder of Kurved by Design, Kellie Richardson says a few basic reno hacks were enough to increase the sale price of a home, at a time when everyday Aussie were counting every dollar.

Latest property data shows national home prices grew 3.71 per cent over the 12 months to the start of May and 3.35 per cent across all capital cities.

It means a $800,000 home now sells, on average, $26,800 more than it did a year ago, with a basic DIY reno potentially adding a further 2.5 per cent profit, according to Ms Richardson.

“You do not need a massive budget to make a big impact, especially when it comes to bathrooms. Property buyers generally look at the quality of the kitchen and bathroom and if they present well, this helps to get the sale over the line,” she said.

“In fact, if these areas present really well, they can help to lift the sales value of a home by…$10,000 to $20,000.

“You can go to Bunnings now and get really good round mirrors for $50…and even tapware, you can get brands like Borrelli for under $100 there, too.”

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Supplied Real Estate New Homes; Interior designer Kellie Richardson on feng shui
 principles and how they can help bring money into the home

Interior designer Kellie Richardson says a basic bathroom DIY could add thousands of dollar to a home’s value.

With Australia’s property market heating up and buyers becoming more discerning, Ms Richardson encouraged sellers to focus on strategic, cost-effective upgrades that could dramatically shift a home’s appeal.

And it all starts with the bathroom.

“Bathrooms sell houses. They are emotional spaces for buyers and the good news is you can transform the entire vibe for under $1000,” she said.

Ms Richardson’s budget bathroom styling strategy is part of a broader series of DIY hacks she shares with sellers looking to maximise sale price without overspending.

“Smart styling creates emotional impact and emotional impact drives better offers. You do not need $10,000 to add value. You just need to know where to spend $1,000 wisely,” she said.

Here are her top tips for elevating your bathroom without blowing your budget.

Tapware

“Changing your tapware to matte black, brushed gold or even gunmetal is a quick way to bring a designer feel to the room. These pieces are easy to replace and often available in budget friendly kits from major retailers,” Richardson said.

“Simple changes can be done yourself or by a handyman.”

Supplied Real Estate AtHome Shop page: bathroom theme, Cross Assembly Taps Brushed Brass,
 $274.90, abiinteriors.com.au

New tap ware is an easy and inexpensive way to freshen up a bathroom.

Holders

“Towel holders, toilet roll holders and shower caddies can instantly upgrade a tired space. Brands like Barelli, available at Bunnings, offer sleek styles in contemporary colours including black that are simple to install and highly effective in updating the space,” Richardson said.

Tile repaint

“Instead of retiling, which is expensive and time consuming, consider tile specific paint. It can completely transform the colour and finish of outdated tiles with a clean, modern look for a fraction of the cost,” Richarson said.

“Often these types of changes will only cost a few hundred dollars and deliver a transformative effect.”

A young woman attentively examines the ceramic tile in her hands during renovation work in the bathroom

New basin

“A fresh basin can be purchased and installed for well under $200 and it can modernise a vanity instantly. Look for curved or organic shapes for a more up to date feel,” Richardson said.

“Again, affordable and budget basins can be purchased from Bunnings or other retailers online and provided there is no plumbing change, these can be replaced fairly easily. The impact is dramatic.”

Bath spray paint

“For older properties with a dated or stained bath, resurfacing spray paint can make a huge difference. With proper prep and a little patience, your bath can look brand new without needing full replacement,” Richardson said.

warm light cozy Interior of bathroom with mirror reflection and sink basin

Resurfacing sprays, new mirrors and new basins are also simple ideas to give your bathroom a new look.

New mirror

“Swap out basic frameless mirrors for round, matte framed or backlit options. A new mirror is one of the most affordable ways to shift the overall tone of the room and add a focal point,” Richardson said.

Colourful towels

“Ditch faded or mismatched towels. Choose lush, hotel style towels in warm neutrals or pops of colour to add energy and personality. Roll or layer them for a boutique look,” Richardson said.

New towels can give you bathroom a colourful new look.

Plants

“Bathrooms love greenery. Add an indoor plant or two, like peace lilies or ferns, to soften the space and add life. Even artificial plants can create a calming, spa like feel,” Richardson said.

The post How to unlock up to $20k in extra home value with easy DIY appeared first on realestate.com.au.

May 14, 2025/0 Comments/by JKents
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