Sonia Kruger x Three Warrior Facials Lunch. Sonia Kruger
TV presenter Sonia Kruger and her husband, former head of news and current affairs at Seven, Craig McPherson, have pocketed $19m from the sale of their Mosman house.
Kruger moved to Mosman nine years ago, paying $6.475m for an original house.
Her 2016 purchase marked her return to Mosman as she once owned a two-bedroom Musgrave St apartment which cost $490,000 in 1999 and was sold in 2005 for $927,500.
The couple then commissioned Corben Architects to redesign it, with another level. The $1m makeover included the addition of a lift.
Kruger had sold her Warrawee home for $3,725,000. The imposing abode had been bought in 2008, just before her six-year marriage to banker James Davies ended. They also owned an Elanora Heights home.
The $16.1m property boasts incredible harbour and ocean views.
The former champion ballroom dancer, who found fame as Tina Sparkle in the 1992 film Strictly Ballroom, retains her Waratah Mills, Dulwich Hill investment apartment, which was bought off the plan for $255,000 in 2001.
Kruger’s new home is described as a “once in a lifetime opportunity with spectacular panoramas”.
The realestate.com.a ad describes it as a “complete blank canvas”: that’s real estate speak for what the pictures reveal is a falling-down house.
There was certainly plenty of interest, given that this is Mosman’s best non-waterfront street.
It’s arguably the prime spot on the Balmoral slopes, with uninterrupted views sweeping beyond North Head, with 190-degree panoramas from every elevation.
“Build a multi-storey sanctuary with views from each level,” says the ad. It’s also only 550m from Balmoral Beach.
Auctioneer James Kerley had nine bidders register, with three of them active.
It’s understood the pair intend to demolish the old home, in the same family for generations, and rebuild on the 743sqm block.
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Newly re-elected Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been urged to make cost of living support an urgent priority as alarming new polling shows debt problems have pushed many Aussies to the edge.
The study showed mortgage repayments were swallowing more than half the monthly income of about one in five Aussie homeowners, who now face tough financial decisions to keep their homes.
About three quarters of mortgage holders surveyed in the Finder.com.au research were spending over a third of their household income on repayments – defined as “mortgage stress”.
This was despite the February cut to interest rates and a recent frenzy of refinancing activity as homeowners sought to cash in on cheaper loans.
Mortgage stress levels were now at a “crisis point”, according to Finder, which pointed to additional research that showed about one in 10 homeowners had missed a repayment in the last six months.
Michele Bullock, Governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia, is expected to announce a cash rate cut this month. Picture: Oliver Contreras
Finder home loans expert Richard Whitten said many households would need a lot more support than just another interest rate cut to stay afloat.
“The loan to income ratio has blown way out with millions teetering on the edge due to mortgage stress,” Mr Whitten said.
“Unexpected costs could spell serious financial trouble for many homeowners.”
Mr Whitten said recent rate cuts and the prospect of another cut in May would offer much-needed reprieve for millions of Australians, but most households needed more cuts to make a real difference.
“Many families will still face tough financial choices to keep their homes,” he said.
Nerida Conisbee, the chief economist at Ray White Economics, said the Albanese government’s re-election could deliver mixed outcomes for the housing market.
Albanese won the federal election with a range of promises about cost of living relief. Picture: Getty Images
She pointed out that much of the housing policy announced in the lead up to the election was about supporting first-home buyers getting into the market.
This included the government’s flagship shared equity scheme, which will allow first-home buyers to snap up homes with deposits as low as 5 per cent.
This policy, while aimed at improving accessibility for first-home buyers, was “likely to drive prices higher in the near term before supply-side measures can take effect,” Ms Conisbee said.
Much of the rise in prices would come at the most affordable end of the market, she added. “(That’s) not great for affordability. But it will be a positive for people that already own property in those areas.”
More interest rate cuts would help, Ms Conisbee said. “Albo can’t control those obviously. But they will be coming through now because of the global slowdown and inflation under control.
“A global slowdown, however, may come with rising unemployment so that is a risk factor … The real challenges come if people lose their jobs so it’s really crucial they remain employed.”
Many marginal homeowners bought their homes when rates were much lower and can’t afford the repayments anymore. Picture: Sam Ruttyn
A possible financial lever the Albanese government could pull would be allowing a freeze on mortgage repayments, like those ushered in during the Morrison government’s tenure during Covid.
This step wouldn’t be necessary unless unemployment went up markedly from current levels, Ms Conisbee explained.
Finder money expert Rebecca Pike said some promised Labor policies may help if the government can deliver on them.
“The election of the Labor government means that Australians get the budget promises of tax cuts, energy rebates, student loan discounts and childcare subsidies, to name a few,” she said.
“This will be a huge help for so many struggling Aussies who have been battling rising costs.
“There may be some concern around what impact the budget measures might have on inflation, but for now people can breathe a little easier. And for the everyday Aussie, that’s all they really need right now.”
The HIA said an increase in housing supply was the best long-term solution for addressing housing affordability issues.
Housing Industry Association managing director Jocelyn Martin said the Albanese government should also prioritise home building.
She also pushed back against any suggestion that the housing crisis lies outside the Federal Government’s remit.
“We’ve heard it too often — that housing and planning is a state issue, or that the Commonwealth has limited levers to pull. That excuse simply doesn’t stack up anymore.
“The Federal Government has the influence, the resources and the leadership role to bring all levels of government together. It can drive the co-ordinated policy, funding and reform needed to move the dial on supply and affordability — not just tinker at the edges.
“This was reinforced in yesterday’s election results and with voters outlining housing as a key issue to be addressed as a matter of priority. We urge the new Government and the entire parliament to work together to implement the solutions already on the table.
“Housing Australians must not become a casualty of politics-as-usual. We can’t afford more years of delay and stalling of key policies being implemented – we need action within weeks not years.”
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An Epping family home with epic Harley workshop and room for 10 vehicles hits the market.
An Epping home boasting a $250,000 man cave and workshop of one of the nation’s top Harley Davidson custom builders is revving up for a sale.
Owner Joe Pegoraro operates his global business “Pega Custom Cycles” from the rear of the 936sq m block, crafting rose-gold choppers for clients as far as Dubai, India and Canada.
The 22 Axebridge Circuit home and garage compound with room for up to 10 vehicles is being marketed with a $900,000-$990,000 price guide.
That sum includes the garage with a fully tiled showroom-style workspace, a separate build bay, professional tools and cabinetry, built-in sound system, dust extraction fans, split-system heating and cooling, and even a second kitchen and toilet for business use.
The Pegoraros, who are downsizing after five years in the home, said the workshop was a passion project built to accommodate Joe’s booming business.
Their grandkids have also loved riding scooters and playing across the property and the park located across the road.
The unassuming facade at 22 Axebridge Circuit hides a world-class motorcycle workshop out back.
Stylish stone benchtops and modern appliances feature in this renovated Epping kitchen.
“It’s been amazing living here,” Mrs Pegoraro said.
“We’ve had Christmases, birthdays, so many special memories, but it’s time for someone else to enjoy it.”
Ray White Wollert director Mike Assaad is handling the sale and said “it is a serious space.”
“You could run just about any kind of trade or creative operation out of this, cabinet making, mechanics, catering, even a boutique salon,” Mr Assaad said.
The agent added that the space was so polished it felt like a showroom.
This Epping backyard blends family living and business potential with alfresco space and garage access.
Rose-gold Harley Davidsons built in the backyard workshop have been shipped to clients worldwide.
“There’s even an ‘OPEN’ sign out front of the garage,” he said.
“You’re getting a turnkey family home and a full-scale commercial workshop in one. “There’s just nothing else like it in Epping.”
Inside, the four-bedroom residence has been thoughtfully renovated, with warm timber floors, stone accents, and expansive open-plan living that flows from a stylish kitchen into multiple dining and relaxation zones.
Room to ride, relax or host — the backyard at this Epping home has serious flexibility for buyers.
The home’s rear garage has been transformed into a sleek motorcycle gallery and workshop zone.
The rare dual kitchen design includes a full secondary set up at the rear, originally used as a staff lunch room, perfect for any home business or independent family living scenario.
A private main suite with double windows and pendant lighting creates a resort-style retreat.
Outdoors, a string-lit alfresco with a ceiling fan and sandstone entertaining table offers a backdrop for Sunday barbecues.
A remote front gate, CCTV, ducted heating and cooling, and a landscaped front garden with manicured hedging add, but for the right buyer, the real prize will be the backyard workshop.
The home’s main bathroom includes a spa-style tub, neutral finishes and generous natural light.
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The almost 500ha farming property at 1200 Princes Highway, Mount Moriac, takes in most of the volcanic feature, including the peak at 251m above sea level.
An entire western Victorian mountain top has changed hands as the historic farming property was offered for sale for the first time in 85 years.
The nearly 500ha of land surrounds the top of Mount Moriac, a prominent peak reaching 251m above sea level west of Geelong.
Mount Moriac is described as an inclined low cone, a volcanic eruption point that’s part of a sequence of volcanic landforms that area spread across Victoria’s Western District, making the land so fertile for agriculture.
The property was offered as a whole or in four separate lots but was ultimately secured in its entirety.
HF Richardson selling agent Matt Poustie said the property at 1200 Princes Highway had “garnered an incredible amount of interest during the expressions of interest campaign which was not unexpected given the iconic nature of “The Mount” and the rarity of such a large parcel of land so close to a major city”.
“The views from the top are unparalleled and that, coupled with the multiple titles on offer, were major selling points for the property,” Mr Poustie said.
“Buyer interest was predominantly Victorian based, with some high-level interstate interest from NSW ag investors also, he said.
“The property was sold as a whole to one buyer, a Melbourne-based entity looking to expand and diversify their property portfolio into an agricultural holding and as a long-term land banking play,” Mr Poustie said.
Price expectations for the 485ha aggregation was around $16m to $18m when the property was listed last spring.
The property has been purchased as an agricultural holding.
The almost 500ha farming property at 1200 Princes Highway, Mount Moriac, takes in most of the volcanic feature, including the peak at 251m above sea level.
Mr Poustie declined the comment on the final sale price, but industry sources suggest the upper end of the price estimate was achieved.
The Champness family has owned the “the mount” for four generations, having built the landholding since 1939 in the district where there’s a popular pub on the highway, a recreation reserve and an memorial to artist Arthur Streeton, who was born in the area.
“When you’re standing at the top of the mount, you can see everything – Torquay, Barwon Heads, Bellarine, Peninsula, Corio Bay, You Yangs Melbourne, Mount Elephant out to the northwest and Colac. You’re a long way up.”
The property has a 1940s era brick homestead on the property that Mr Poustie said has soul but needs renovation, plus a separate manager’s cottage from a bygone era, a two-stand shearing shed, a machinery shed and other shedding.
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NAB expects 50 bps cut in May and the sam by August it said Monday.
One of Australia’s Big Four banks has reaffirmed a massive interest rate call just 48 hours after Labor’s historic election win.
National Australia Bank expects the equivalent of four rate cuts to be put in place by the Reserve Bank by August – the biggest chunk of which will come within weeks.
The NAB Economic Update, released Monday, flagged a whopping 100 basis point cut to interest rates by August, with 50 bps on May 20.
NAB group chief economist Sally Auld, who first tipped a May 50bp cut in April, said on Monday that “if the RBA knew on 1 April what it knows today, it is likely that the Board would have decided to lower the cash rate by 25bp at the last meeting and followed up that easing up with a 25bp rate cut in May. There is thus some catch up required to align policy settings with recent developments.”
“We forecast 100bp of easing by August 2025, beginning with 50bp rate cut in May. Indeed, the RBA has historically shown a willingness to respond quickly to offshore shocks.”
It said the easing cycle the bank is forecasting “would look very similar to those which responded to the GFC, and the COVID-19 pandemic”
Labor’s big spending plans will add to RBA discussions on May 20. Picture: NewsWire / Nikki Short
“Price data for 1Q 2025 show both headline and core inflation in the RBA’s 2-3pc target band, and importantly, ongoing disinflation in the market services portion of the CPI basket. This should ease any lingering concerns the RBA has about the inflationary impact of current labour market dynamics”.
“With the current setting of monetary policy restrictive in both a nominal and real context and recent developments shifting the distribution of risks around domestic growth and the labour market to the downside, we think the RBA will see a need to take policy to a more neutral stance relatively quickly.”
She said Aussie voters returned the ALP government with a larger than expected majority in the House of Representatives which in near term means “simply that the ALP’s position as the party of government is now more secure, and its ability to execute on its agenda will be easier. This provides financial markets with more certainty and predictability.”
“The government is likely to take the election result as a strong mandate and we would expect that the government’s share of economic activity in Australia will likely increase over the next three years.”
NAB said Australia had transitioned from “a multi-decade economic and political regime based on free trade and free markets to one where the role of government is bigger and broader than was the case in the prior regime”.
NAB has cut its 2025 GDP forecast by 25bp to 2pc and lifted Australia’s forecast peak unemployment rate from 4.2pc to 4.4pc.
It has some praise for policymakers handling of global and domestic circumstances too: “If we can realise outcomes close to these forecasts then policy makers will have done a good job navigating what is a difficult global backdrop”.
The bank feels Australia will be somewhat sheltered from US President Donald Trump’s tariff wars given “our limited export basket to the US (less than 5pc of total exports)”.
A boss for the Packer family appears to be following in James’ footsteps after making a $90 million play for his 200-guest Aussie mansion.
A Rose Bay mansion with links to James Packer has hit the market with hopes above $90m.
The five-bedroom residence in Bayview Hill Rd is the home of Lawrence Myers, chief executive of Packer’s family office Consolidated Press Holdings. and his wife, Sylvia.
On a 1039sqm block, the grand property, designed by David Walker and Peter Janks, has incredible views of the Harbour Bridge from nearly every room — even the bathtub and gym.
There’s also a spectacular wet-edge pool with spa and cabana.
The house was designed by David Walker and Peter Janks.
The spectacular wet-edge pool has a spa and cabana.
There are five bedrooms.
The 1,100 sqm of internal space flowing to the outdoors can host parties of more than 200 guests and an executive office on the entry level is big enough for boardroom-scale meetings.
There’s a 10-seat cinema, games room on the lower ground level.
And there are four bedroom suites, with three of them opening to balconies facing the harbour.
Sylvia and Lawrence Myers. Picture: Christian Gilles
The house, in the name of Sylvia Myers, was bought from billionaire businessman Brett Blundy in 2018, title records show. No price is indicated, though reports at the time put it in the $43m-$45m range.
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Tiny slivers of land with electricity boxes – some even sporting hazard signs – have been selling for unimaginable prices across Sydney.
The latest sales saw three small properties previously owned by Ausgrid change hands late last week in Sydney’s lower north shore, including two properties in Mosman and one in Neutral Bay. These sales followed a raft of Ausgrid land sales in April.
Local sources revealed the properties would need a creative buyer, not only due to their minimal space, but because they still contained live electricity boxes or remnants of old substations.
Yet the properties have sold for huge prices due to the lack of empty land in what are some of Sydney’s most sought after locales.
37 Vista Street is only 101 sqm with an electricity box on it.
The structure on the Mosman block.
In Mosman, 37 Vista St, a 101 sqm block which hosts an electricity substation and an old structure had a price guide of $475,000 with reports showing it sold over $650,000.
The smallest of the three properties, 9 Anderson Rd in Neutral Bay, a triangular shaped piece of land set across only 31.6 sqm, had a guide of $60,000, according to Mosman Collective.
The Neutral Bay land neighbours a structure that shows hazardous and “keep out” signs.
Despite this, the property sold for more than three times that amount at $189,000, according to reports of those who attended the auction.
Keep out and hazard signs line the Neutral Bay block.
The other Mosman property up for grabs was a 50 sqm block on the corner of Bardwell Rd and Lindsay Lane. Reports indicated it had a guide of $300,000 and sold just over for $360,000.
Selling agent BresicWhitney’s Scott Thornton said the sites captured the imagination and interest of the market.
“Buyers could see the potential and how unique they were. The desirability of the lower north shore also drove demand, with the area remaining one of Sydney’s most sought-after lifestyle destinations,” he added.
Corner Bardwell Road & Lindsay Lane is only about 50 sqm.
50 sqm substation property sells around $360,000. Agents say it would take a creative buyer for these types of properties.
It comes as other electricity box properties had been offloaded earlier in the month selling between $800,000 and $1.8m via Belle Property’s Simon Harrison.
Mr Harrison said he had “never sold anything like them”.
The properties were attracting “a lot of interest” because they were an opportunity to get into popular north shore suburbs for a cheaper price, Mr Harrison said.
“We are getting some interest from first-home buyers and mum and dad-types who want to build something. You’d have to be very creative,” he said prior to the sales.
Social media has erupted over one of the listings – the Longueville block that already went to auction – with comments ranging from puzzled to furious.
Many of these properties still have live electricity boxes that can’t be moved.
“This has to be a late April fool’s joke,” said one comment. Another said: “God they are desperate”.
A common theme was disappointment that the site was not being used for open space instead.
“How about planting trees and flora, create a small park for wild life and people to access. That block is not suitable for a home or town house. That would be a shoebox of a unit with no yard. Absolutely ridiculous. It’s all about $$. What a joke,” one social media user said.
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The three sites, located near key train stations, will soon be home to thousands more homes as their councils embrace higher density.
Local plans for the suburbs of North Wollongong, St Marys in western Sydney, and the Lake Macquarie suburb of Cockle Creek have just been released.
Each of these sites were identified as part of the NSW government’s Transport Oriented Development (TOD) program, which aims to increase housing density around public transport hubs, jobs and amenities.
In this initiative, 37 areas were identified in Sydney and the state’s other smaller cities, where the government said it would introduce new zoning to increase density within 400 metres of train stations. At the outset, the project was anticipated to lead to the construction of 138,000 new homes across Greater Sydney, the Central Coast, Illawarra-Shoalhaven and Hunter regions.
Local councils, however, were given the opportunity to create their own plans for these neighbourhoods, so long as the housing component was met or exceeded. If they missed the deadline to do so, the TOD controls would be implemented automatically.
To date, plans for 28 of the 37 sites have been adopted and 34 development applications submitted.
The initiative is expected to bring over 138,000 new homes across NSW. Picture: Getty
Now, Wollongong City Council, Penrith City Council, and Lake Macquarie Council have submitted plans that surpass the TOD controls, including affordable housing near public transport and job centres.
Thanks to councils’ submitting their own plans for these transit hubs, NSW minister for planning and public spaces Paul Scully said more than 170,000 new homes are expected to be delivered under the TOD SEPP.
“These three sites have been strategically chosen to support increased density in well-positioned locations and we are already seeing strong interest in renewing these areas and adding density so that these well-located suburbs can be home to more families in the future,” Mr Scully said.
“Each of these precincts now has an ideal opportunity to reshape and reimagine their communities with new modern public domain upgrades and increased patronage for local businesses.”
What is expected across each suburb?
In North Wollongong, over 5000 new dwellings are expected with Wollongong City Council submitting an alternative site boundary that avoids flood-constrained land but delivers more dwellings than initially planned.
“This project doesn’t just bring housing, it brings jobs, investment, and more customers for our local businesses. It’s a positive step forward for the North Wollongong community,” mayor of Wollongong Tania Brown said.
Wollongong City Council, Penrith City Council, and Lake Macquarie Council have submitted plans that exceed the TOD controls. Picture: Getty
St Marys, part of Western Sydney, is set to gain over 9300 new homes by 2041. Penrith City Council plans to support light industries with a consolidated commercial core featuring co-working and creative hubs, while also proposing to rezone a portion of residential land for public open spaces.
“We’ve led a place-based, evidence-based process that is going to transform St Marys, and it’s shaping up to be something really special,” mayor of Penrith Todd Carney said.
“Our ability to deliver a comprehensive plan within the government’s timeframe shows the strength of Council’s vision and commitment to Penrith’s future.”
Cockle Creek, located near Newcastle in the Lake Macquarie region, could see 1200 new homes.
The Lake Macquarie Council is working with the NSW Government on rezoning the Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC) owned site at Munibung Road, Boolaroo.
The area partly falls within the TOD area for Cockle Creek, and the HCCDC, Lake Macquarie Council, and the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure will finalise the rezoning proposal over the coming months.
“It’s exciting to see this project moving forward,” mayor of Lake Macquarie Adam Shultz said.
“With HCCDC and the NSW Government on board, we’re one step closer to transforming underused land into a thriving new part of our city.”
Are you interested in buying and building new? Check out our New Homes section.
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Staring aghast at another eye-watering property listing in Sydney or Melbourne? You’re not alone.
For many Aussies, the dream of a decent-sized home in a desirable postcode feels less like a goal and more like a cruel joke served up by the seemingly unrelenting Australian property market where a million dollars can barely even buy a capital city shoebox.
But what if we told you your property prayers could be answered with a simple passport stamp? From charm-drenched Italian villas and Balinese jungle retreats, to sun-drenched Thai havens and idyllic Greek Island getaways, the world is brimming with incredible homes that offer infinitely more bang for your Aussie buck.
Read on for a a taste of the international real estate buffet where your hard-earned dollars go way further.
Sicily, Italy
Sicily, Italy. Picture: Getty
Imagine mornings strolling through fragrant olive groves and afternoons spent basking in the Mediterranean sun. That’s the allure of Sicily, a place that offers a unique blend of relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle, rich history, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine.
“No frantic commutes, just the gentle rhythm of nature and with charming towns a stone’s throw away,” said mortgage broker at Sydney-based agency, Highfield Private, Steven Tropoulos, of its appeal.
Villa in Sicily. Picture: realestate.com.au/international
“And this beautifully restored villa isn’t just a house, it’s a ticket to that slow, sun-drenched southern Italian way of life. Or, for the same price, you could buy a one-bedroom apartment in Sydney’s Randwick — right across the road from the hospital and all the noise and hustle that comes with it — with no citrus trees in the garden, no golden beaches just minutes away, and definitely no friendly nonna offering you fresh pasta!”
Bali, Indonesia
Ubud, Bali. Picture: Getty
The appeal of the Indonesian island hotspot shows no signs of waning. And while many travellers make a beeline for Bali’s coastlines, in Ubud lush jungle, picturesque rice terraces, ornate Hindu temples and rolling green hills, take the place of the surf and sand. A Mecca for spirituality-seekers, the area is crammed with yoga and meditation studios, organic eateries, spas and co-working cafes.
“With more Aussies embracing the laptop lifestyle Bali has exploded as a hotspot for those who can work remotely,” said founder and buyer’s agent at Austin Buyers Agents, Luke Bindley.
“Tourism is booming, and the demand for short-term rentals stays strong all year round. Savvy buyers are eyeing Bali as a high-yield holiday rental market, especially in cool spots like Ubud. Plus, Indonesia is actively rolling out the welcome mat for long-term foreign residents with initiatives like second-home visas and digital nomad programs, making that dream of living in Bali long-term easier than ever.”
Villa in Bali for sale. Picture: realestate.com.au/international
And for any wannabe Bali dweller, this three-levelprivate villa is a surefire winner. Nestled in serene landscapes, the stunning three-level, four bedroom property boasts a dedicated rooftop yoga and meditation space, al fresco living spaces and a pool.
Villefranche-sur-Mer, France
Villefranche-sur-mer on the French Riviera. Picture: Getty
Situated on the French Riviera just east of Nice, Villefranche-sur-Mer is as pretty as a resort town gets. Think colourful buildings tumbling down towards a deep, natural harbour, postcard-perfect views of the sparkling Mediterranean Sea,and a vibe that’s sophisticated yet much for relaxed than glitzy, neighbouring Monaco, Villefranche-sur-Mer has ‘je ne sais quoi’ in spades.
“It’s the essence of Riviera living. Picture lazy breakfasts overlooking the azure water, afternoons spent wandering impossibly charming cobbled streets and evenings lingering over delicious food al fresco as the harbour lights twinkle below.”
Apartment for sale in Villefranche-sur-Mer, France. Picture: realestate.com.au/international
France also offers a “Golden Visa” program, which grants residency to non-EU citizens who invest at least 300,000 euros in real estate or other qualifying investments. For those dreaming of a longer stay, meeting specific requirements and proving financial stability opens the door to applying for permanent residency after a few years of soaking up the French sunshine.
Istria, Croatia, Slovenia and Italy
Istria, Croatia. Picture: Getty
Unknown to most, the captivating peninsula of Istria is nestled in the northern Adriatic Sea — and shared by Croatia, Slovenia, and a small sliver of Italy — is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Dotted with picturesque towns and carpeted in rolling hills and vineyards, the area offers a fusion of beauty and rich culture.
“The Istrian countryside has quietly become a hotspot for property investors drawn to its stunning landscapes and proximity to that glorious coastline,” explained Mr Bindley.
Villa in Istria. Picture: realestate.com.au/international
“Smart buyers have recognised that this previously under-the-radar region holds immense potential. Buyers from Western Europe, in particular, are seeking second homes that perfectly blend Mediterranean charm with privacy, scenery, and solid long-term value. And this modernvilla — which boasts its own private pool, wood-fired pizza and impressive outdoor entertaining area — is a great buy.”
Phuket, Thailand
Phuket, Thailand. Picture: Getty
Thailand’s largest island, Phuket, isn’t just about stunning beaches and a tropical climate, it also offers a vibrant lifestyle that comes with a typically significantly lower cost of living than Australia.
“This stunning pool villa inPhuket offers a year-round holiday experience,” said Mr Tropoulos.
Villa in Phuket. Picture: realestate.com.au/international
“One defined by barefoot mornings, the gentle sway of palm trees and sunset swims. For the same price, you could be looking at a fibro house in Sydney’s Blacktown — a house with no private pool for those sweltering summer days, no delicious pad thai made to order just around the corner, and definitely no tropical sunsets framed by coconut palms!”
Illinois, USA
Chicago, Illinois. Picture: Getty.
While the USA might conjure images of sprawling coastal cities with hefty price tags, venture inland to states like Illinois — also known as the ‘Prairie State’ — and you might be surprised by the space and value on offer. Case in point: this sprawling property spread over 5 acres in the growing village of Mahomet. Here, vast farmlands, peaceful forests, and a different pace of life, all while still being within reach of major urban centres like Chicago.
“A comfortable two-hour drive from Chicago this quiet location offers the kind of life on the land that many home buyers are now actively seeking,” said Mr Bindley.
House in Illinois. Picture: realestate.com.au/international
“Areas like this offer a strong sense of community and low crime rates, making them incredibly appealing to families. And this substantial family home truly has something for everyone: a dedicated games room for the kids, a cozy movie theatre for family nights, a multi-car garage for all the toys, a practical workshop for DIY enthusiasts and even a separate residence that’s perfect for a teenage retreat. Also, let’s not forget the incredibly tranquil setting, overlooking classic American cornfields.”
Lefkada, Grece
Lefkada, Greece. Picture: Getty.
While Santorini and Mykonos capture the spotlight, the lush Ionian island of Lefkada remains one of Greece’s best-kept secrets – offering a mix of turquoise waters, pine-covered hills, and true island serenity.
Famous for its dramatic coastlines and laid-back local culture, Lefkada delivers a more relaxed and authentic alternative to the Cycladic crowds, all without losing an ounce of beauty or charm.
“This exceptional villa is a rare opportunity,” said Mr Tropoulos. “Perched in a privileged position overlooking the Ionian Sea, it blends refined modern design with natural materials and breathtaking views. It’s the perfect sanctuary to unwind, entertain, or simply breathe in the calm that only the Greek islands can offer.”
Villa in Lefkada, Greece. Picture: realestate.com.au/international
Even better for Australians looking to live the Mediterranean dream—under Greece’s Golden Visa program, buyers who invest over 400,000 euros in property can obtain residency and visa-free access throughout the European Union.
https://www.juliankent.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/logo.png00JKentshttps://www.juliankent.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/logo.pngJKents2025-05-05 12:03:022025-05-05 12:03:02Million-dollar escape plan: What can $1m buy you around the world?
The South Australian government has revealed its latest release of development-ready land, and is looking for developers to take on these sites.
The land the South Australian government has just released to the market for the purpose of residential projects is expected to deliver new housing worth at least $720 million. It has also released properties zoned for industrial use that it expects to be worth at least $20 million on completion.
An aerial view of suburban homes in Adelaide. Image: Getty
This is part of the state’s Developer Ready program, which aims to attract private sector development to land sites that the state has released to the market.
In this latest listing, several new plots of land in Adelaide’s northern suburbs have been earmarked for housing.
They include:
An 8.5-hectare residential development opportunity in Elizabeth South on John Rice Avenue.
Three allotments in the Playford Alive development in Munno Para, earmarked for medium-density housing and commercial use.
The South Australian government also noted that other residential land releases would be soon to follow. Not yet open to developers, those opportunities are set to include a large 1000-home residential development opportunity south of Adelaide on 68 hectares in Onkaparinga Heights.
This latest release of new land for housing follows on from last year’s opportunities, including sites at Southwark, Tapangka on Franklin, and 274 and 275 North Terrace. The government expects the land released in 2024 will produce housing and industrial projects ultimately worth $2 billion.
South Australia’s minister for housing and urban development, Nick Champion, said the state was inviting proposals from “local, national and international developers and investors” for the newest plots of land.
“South Australia is open for business with a pipeline of development-ready opportunities,” Mr Champion said.
He noted the release also included two new industrial opportunities: a 10.35-hectare industrial allotment on Newhaven Road in East Grand Trunkway and a 2.91-hectare industrial allotment on Gidgie Court in Edinburgh.
The newest land releases are part of South Australia’s Developer Ready program. Image: Getty
Bruce Djite, the Property Council’s SA executive director described the parcels of land that had been released as “desperately needed” and noted that if done well, the resulting developments would deliver a substantial economic benefit.
“South Australia has a bright future ahead but for the state to fulfill its potential the government and industry must work together like never before. Developing these parcels of land to their best and highest use will deliver jobs, homes, economic growth and attract much needed capital to the state,” Mr Djite said.
Are you interested in new housing being built in Adelaide? Check out our dedicated New Homes section.
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