A new Redfin survey reveals sharp divides among Americans over how immigration and tariffs are affecting housing affordability, reflecting a complex and politically charged landscape.
More than half of U.S. homeowners and renters (51.2%) believe that reducing immigration could worsen housing affordability by shrinking the pool of construction workers and limiting the number of new homes built. In turn, they believe this could drive up home prices.
At the same time, 38.5% of survey respondents expressed the opposite view — that fewer immigrants would lower demand for housing, making homes more affordable.
The survey, conducted by Redfin between March 28 and April 28 — polled 4,000 homeowners and renters nationwide.
Political affiliation strongly influenced responses. About 67.1% of Democrats agreed that lower immigration levels could lead to fewer homes and higher prices, compared to just 38.7% of Republicans.
Respondents were similarly divided on the role of tariffs in shaping the housing market.
Nearly 68% agreed that tariffs contribute to home-price appreciation and help keep interest rates high — both of which can suppress homebuying activity. But about 35% believed that tariffs could boost the economy and help more Americans afford homes.
Again, responses were split along party lines. A majority of Republicans (55.3%) said they believe tariffs will strengthen the economy and improve affordability, but only 23.9% of Democrats said the same.
Redfin has previously reported on how economic uncertainty — including concerns over tariff policy — is shaping consumer behavior.
In April, the company noted that nearly one in four Americans had canceled plans to make a major purchase — such as buying a home or a car — due to President Donald Trump‘s newly enacted tariffs.
The latest survey suggests that tariffs remain a source of anxiety for many.
Roughly 43.1% of respondents said they were either very or somewhat worried about the potential impact of tariffs on their local housing market and property values. Just 33.1% said they were hopeful.
On immigration, the numbers tilted slightly toward optimism. About 40.7% of respondents said they felt hopeful about the broader economic effects of reduced immigration or deportations. Meanwhile, 26.3% reported feeling worried.
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Homeownership in many of America’s largest cities now demands a six-figure salary to sustain a comfortable lifestyle — with some regions requiring more than $300,000 annually.
A new analysis by GOBankingRates ranked the top 50 U.S. cities by the income necessary to afford a comfortable standard of living, using factors such as average home prices, rents and other cost-of-living benchmarks.
The study, based on the 50/30/20 budgeting rule (50% needs, 30% wants, 20% savings), found that the income needed to cover essential and discretionary expenses far exceeds the median household income in most metropolitan areas — especially for homeowners.
Irvine, California, ranked first in the nation for the highest income needed to live comfortably as both a homeowner ($326,645) and renter ($130,943). The Southern California city’s median household income is $129,647 — less than half of what’s required for homeowners to maintain a comfortable lifestyle.
Nine of the top 10 cities where homeowners need the highest incomes are located on the West Coast or in the Pacific region. The lone East Coast entry is Arlington, Virginia.
Besides Irvine, the top 10 includes several other California cities, including Fremont at No. 2, San Jose at No. 3, San Francisco at No. 4, San Diego at No. 6 and Los Angeles at No. 8.
California dominated the top 50, with 15 cities where both homeowners and renters must earn six-figure incomes to live comfortably.
None of the 50 cities had a median household income higher than the income needed for homeowners to live comfortably. But in 10 cities, the median income exceeded the amount needed for renters to maintain a comfortable standard of living.
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On the surface, Seattle’s housing market looks like any other in the country.
The inventory of single-family homes for sale is up substantially year over year. New listings are up slightly, sales remain subdued and home prices aren’t moving much. That’s the story in the majority of housing markets.
But Seattle is wrestling with a problem that is more acute than all but a handful of metropolitan areas — crippling affordability issues.
“It’s hard to find a market as expensive as Seattle,” said Jeff Tucker, an economist for Seattle-based Windermere Real Estate. “We’re really right behind the expensive coastal California markets when it comes to typical single-family home prices.
“With higher interest rates that we’ve started, yeah, the affordability constraints have seemed to put a bit of a ceiling on price appreciation.”
Tucker’s comments are reflected in the data. According to Altos, the median home price is a staggering $910,000 compared to $649,999 at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. Seattle has one of the higher median incomes in the country at $110,744, but that doesn’t translate into price relief.
The Emerald City’s price-to-income ratio is 7.4, trailing only Los Angeles (12.49), San Diego (10.41), San Francisco (10.1) and Miami (8.5). It’s also higher than many markets known for astronomical home prices, such as New York (7.3), Boston (7.18) and Washington, D.C. (6).
Seattle doesn’t have much open land for builders to address the housing shortage. But the state took action in 2023 by passing legislation that allows for accessory dwelling units (ADUs), duplexes and fourplexes in almost every city in Washington. The law goes into effect next month.
That only has a limited impact, though, because for more density to be created, a property owner needs to have both the interest in doing so and the funds to make it happen. Many won’t do it if there isn’t a clear and direct increase on the value of the home.
“I’m talking with more customers who are looking for multigenerational situations, whether that be to build an ADU on their own lot, or sell and buy a multigenerational home that they could have either the younger or older generation,” Redfin agent David Palmer said. “I’m seeing a mix of both.”
To the extent that upzoning helps with affordability, it may be canceled out by the state budget approved by Gov. Bob Ferguson in May. It adds $9 billion in additional taxes. On top of tax hikes related to property ownership, there are others that will impact buyers and sellers indirectly — including higher sales taxes, estate taxes and capital gains taxes.
“It’s a historic tax increase,” said Nick Glant, founder of Seattle’s Real Residential. “There are some folks feeling like they’re getting increased costs to live here. It gives some of our job creators and maybe the higher-end segment a reason to consider spending the next 10 years in some place that’s maybe a little more tax friendly.
“I wouldn’t call it an exodus, per se, but I would say there’s a little bit of a movement to look at other states where it might be a little more affordable to live long term, especially in retirement years.”
On top of local issues, home buyers and sellers are wrestling with the macroeconomic headwinds that are slowing down markets everywhere.
The April tariff announcement from President Donald Trump tanked global markets and pushed mortgage rates back up to 7%. The Federal Reserve has given no indication that an interest rate cut is coming in the near term.
The tariff news also gave consumers a reason to proceed cautiously. A recent Redfin survey showed that more than half of respondents were either canceling or pausing their search for large purchases like a house.
Consumer sentiment tanked in the aftermath, although it has rebounded since the tariffs were paused. Still, there were material consequences for the housing market.
Palmer said he had a client in back out of a purchase in April because their stock portfolio dropped precipitously, and they were partially paying for the transaction by selling stock. Markets have also since rebounded, but many people are on alert for any subsequent economic drama.
“I’m still optimistic about Seattle in general,” Palmer said. “I’ve been through the real recessions, and I just don’t see a lot of those indicators. Now, granted, last time I said some stuff like this, Mother Nature said ‘hold my beer’ and we had a pandemic, but it’s not doom and gloom here.”
Melbourne’s winter auction market is heating up as rate cuts, tight stock and renewed buyer confidence spark strong competition across key suburbs. Picture : Nicki Connolly
Melbourne’s winter auction market is bucking the seasonal trend, with fresh data and renewed buyer confidence pointing to a heatwave beneath the surface of a cooling calendar.
There are 952 homes set to go under the hammer across the city this weekend, a 14 per cent drop from the same time last year.
Another 941 auctions are already scheduled for next week, down just 9 per cent, in what experts say is a far softer seasonal dip than usual.
REA Group senior economist Eleanor Creagh said while the auction volume is lower, market conditions have flipped — and buyers are back in force.
“Melbourne led the country for monthly price growth in May,” Ms Creagh said.
“It’s clear confidence has returned, and interest rate cuts in February and May have lifted borrowing capacity and encouraged buyers to move quickly.”
Home prices rose 0.79 per cent in May according to PropTrack, the strongest monthly gain of any capital city.
Melbourne’s dwelling values are still 2.85 per cent below their previous peak, but Ms Creagh said the city’s underperformance over the past five years, just 17.6 per cent growth since March 2020 compared to 60 per cent nationally, now gave it a competitive edge.
“Relative affordability is drawing buyers back in,” she said.
“That’s why activity is holding firm even during what’s typically a slower time of year.”
REA Group economist Eleanor Creagh says Melbourne’s affordability advantage and rising prices are luring buyers back faster than expected this winter.
Suburbs with the most auctions this weekend include Reservoir, 24 auctions, Mount Waverley, 19, Richmond, 15, Craigieburn, 14, and Wollert, 13.
Ni Advocacy director and buyers advocate Kevin Ni said savvy buyers were shifting focus away from cookie-cutter stock and honing in on quality, character, and long-term liveability.
“Buyers are far more educated now,” Mr Ni said.
“They’re looking for liveability, not oversupplied towers.”
“We’ve seen people spend six months stuck in limbo because they wouldn’t budge on their dream suburb.
“The advice is: be realistic and flexible.”
Ni Advocacy director and buyers agent Kevin Ni says educated buyers are now chasing scarcity and liveability and warns those waiting on dream suburbs risk missing out.
That mindset is driving strong interest across a range of listings this weekend, including a three-bedroom home at 14 Emery Court, Altona, where buyers are lining up for a slice of quiet, beachside living.
The peaceful court location, vaulted ceiling, home office and landscaped yard have drawn attention from families and investors alike. The guide is $990,000-$1.08m.
This Altona three-bedder near the beach has drawn strong interest from families and investors, with its vaulted ceiling and landscaped garden a key drawcard.
Backed onto Waterford Valley Golf Course, this renovated Rowville home boasts underfloor heating, premium appliances and more than 100 inspections.
In Rowville, more than 100 groups have inspected 2 Moama Place, a renovated home backing onto Waterford Valley Golf Course.
The three-bedder features American Oak floors, Bosch appliances, underfloor heating, and even a shed with a kitchenette — and is tipped to fetch $1m –$1.1m.
Over in Preston, buyers priced out of Brunswick and Northcote are flocking to 9/26 Tyler Street, a rear townhouse in a boutique complex guided at $600,000 –$650,000.
The mix of downsizers and first-home hopefuls has added a competitive edge.
Priced-out inner north buyers are flocking to this tucked-away Preston townhouse, which blends privacy with proximity to trendy suburbs.
Set in the heart of Kew’s elite school zone, this architect-designed five-bedroom home features concrete floors, a sparkling pool and EV charger.
At the prestige end of the market, a five-bedroom architectural home at 14 Hunter Street, Kew, is drawing serious interest from families looking to secure a foothold in the private school belt.
Behind its striking modern facade are polished concrete floors, a sparkling pool, butler’s pantry, Miele appliances and EV charger, with a guide of $3.8m-$4.1m.
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A co-founder of one of the largest players in Australia’s footwear market is offloading his luxury Toorak apartment.
Accent Group non-executive director Michael Hapgood and his wife Catherine have listed the three-bedroom residence in a boutique Mathoura Rd complex.
Mr Hapgood has overseen huge growth at the retailer which has 800 stores, including The Athlete’s Foot, Platypus and Hype, and dozens of big name brands like Dr. Martens, Vans and Saucony.
The Mathoura Rd development was completed in 2018.
Far from a shoebox, the couple’s spacious Toorak apartment includes a private temperature controlled wine cellar and a north-facing terrace.
It is one of 10 residences in an exclusive Orchard Piper development on the edge of Hawksburn Village that was crowned the HIA’s best $10m-$20m apartment complex in 2021.
Kay & Burton, Stonnington agent Andrew Sahhar is calling for expressions of interest in the $4m to $4.4m property by June 24.
He declined to comment on the apartment’s ownership but said the design was a rare collaboration between Orchard Piper and architect Stephen Jolson.
The kitchen has a stone island bench and streamlined cabinetry.The open-plan living area has full height glazing to the north.
“I was involved in selling the development off the plan and Orchard Piper and Stephen do have a very strong following,” Mr Sahhar said.
“Orchard Piper do specialise in doing house-sized apartments so you traditionally pick up that person coming from a large home in Stonnington or Boroondara.”
He said the apartment stood out for its north-facing aspect, which floods the central living space and bedrooms with natural light.
European oak flooring, custom joinery, natural stone, and two secure car spaces with internal lift access are among premium features.
Entertain on the private terrace.The main bedroom ensuite has a freestanding bath and twin vanities.
Mr Sahhar said a dedicated area on the complex’s ground floor with a wine cellar for each residence was a rare luxury.
“It’s a very well thought out floor plan,” he said.
“Both bedrooms are main bedroom size so there are two very large bedrooms and some people want to turn the third bedroom into a study so it’s versatile.”
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When living costs are high and interest rates are dropping, more of us choose to refinance our home loans. But doing this the wrong way could end up costing you more than you save.
As interest rates trend downwards, everyone wants to ensure they’re getting the best possible deal from their lender and ultimately, reduce their monthly payments. And many banks will be actively competing for refinancing business.
“In this rate-dropping market, a lot of banks will claw back a bit of margin,” explains New South Wales-based Mortgage Choice broker Duane Mengel. “They will drop the rates, but not necessarily across all of their products.”
But when refinancing goes wrong, what starts as a cost-saving strategy can quickly become a financial pitfall, he warns.
“You want to make sure your money is working hard for you, but I certainly see plenty of mistakes when it comes to refinancing.”
Here are some common pitfalls to avoid when taking out a new mortgage.
1. Don’t always opt for a fixed-rate loan
During a downward rate cycle, most people opt for variable rate home loans to potentially benefit from lower repayments as interest rates decrease.
If you’re tied to a fixed-rate mortgage, you won’t get to enjoy those reduced payments, and switching to a variable rate mortgage can incur substantial costs if you break your fixed-rate term.
“Breaking fixed rates can cost you a lot of money — sometimes even more than what it’s worth to refinance,” Mr Mengel explains.
While a fixed-rate mortgage may offer lower interest rates at the moment — simply because it’s less attractive — think before you lock yourself in, he adds.
“Fixed rates should be used for certainty, not to save money.”
2. Don’t consolidate all your debts into your mortgage
Mr Mengel has seen many individuals eager to consolidate their debts into their home loan during the current cost-of-living crisis to reduce monthly repayments and free up cash.
Mr Mengel warns that consolidating all your debt can lead to a less than ideal outcome. Picture: Getty
But this strategy can end up costing you more in the long run, he says.
“People may want to consolidate a credit card debt or a car loan. However, if you include a car with a five- to seven-year lifespan in a 30-year mortgage, it will be long gone when you’re still making payments on it.
“Putting those personal debts into your mortgage can be a bad thing if you’re not increasing your repayments to pay that portion of the loan off quicker.”
3. Don’t refinance too many times
Banks can dangle all kinds of carrots to attract your business (though cashback offers have largely become a thing of the past). But Mr Mengel says refinancing too frequently can negatively impact your credit score because you’re applying for new credit.
“People can find themselves in a situation where their credit score is so low that they actually can’t borrow money anymore. Don’t let short wins get in the way of long-term cost.”
A good mortgage broker will conduct annual reviews to ensure you’re always getting the best deal.
4. Don’t go mad with Buy Now Pay Later
Signing up for any type of credit, whether for a mobile phone plan or a utility, will also lower your credit score. This is especially true if you miss payments or make late repayments. Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) services have the same effect.
“Every time you apply to pay for something in arrears, whether you actually take out the loan or not, your credit score will drop,” Mr Mengel warns.
“It’s really scary when I see people using BNPL for everyday items like groceries to try to make their money go further, which actually then hurts their credit score and impacts their potential borrowing capacity.”
5. Don’t rush the process
Banks don’t tend to lower their rates willingly when you request it and may only do so at the last moment once you’ve submitted the discharge form.
“Banks make it really hard when it comes to discharging mortgages, especially for a refinance,” Mr Mengal says. “When they don’t give the best rate upfront, it’s frustrating for both customers and brokers.”
Some lenders also take longer to approve loans than others. He advises those looking to refinance to allow at least two weeks for the process.
6. Don’t choose an offset account if you can’t save
“Sometimes the right structure will actually serve you better than the lowest interest rate,” says Mr Mengel.
For example, many banks impose higher interest rates and/or additional fees for an offset account. While this can be an excellent tool for paying off your mortgage faster, if you’re living paycheck to paycheck and lack extra funds to save, it could cost you more in the long run, he warns.
7. Don’t choose a long loan term if you don’t have to
Mr Mengel advises homeowners not to refinance back onto a 30-year loan term unless they absolutely need to.
Signing up to a 30-year loan when your refinance will mean you end up paying more in interest in the long run. Picture: Getty
“It may offer lower rates and repayments than a 20-year loan, for example, but you’ll end up paying more interest. The quicker you can pay off the loan, the more money you’ll save.”
If people do take a longer loan term, he recommends ensuring there is flexibility to pay it off earlier if they want or need to.
A good broker can calculate what a mortgage will cost you over different loan terms, factoring in all the fees and interest.
8. Don’t restructure if you’re planning on selling
If you’re planning to sell in the future, refinancing may not be worthwhile, Mr Mengel acknowledges.
“Stay where you are, get the property ready for sale, and sell it, rather than refinancing to obtain a lower rate when you’ll only have to close the loan when you sell the property,” he adds.
“In this case, restructuring can actually cost you for no reason.”
9. Don’t forget to consult your broker in advance of changes
If there’s a change in your financial circumstances — such as having a child, changing your income, or starting a business — it’s important to consult your broker in advance to understand how this might impact your borrowing capacity and whether refinancing is the right decision.
“There’s often a different set of rules we have to play by,” Mr Mengel says. “If people have gone too far down the track, it can be too late to help them.
“For example, if they’re missing repayments, they may not be able to keep their mainstream lender and we may have to consider non-conforming lenders that take on more risk than a normal bank but often charge higher fees.
“It’s so important to find a mortgage broker you like and trust who can lay out all your options.”
This article first appeared on Mortgage Choice and has been republished with permission.
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In today’s urban landscape, developers aren’t just building apartments, they’re creating entire precincts that integrate living, working and social spaces into cohesive environments.
In inner-city Melbourne, Richmond Square by Fortis is doing just that.
Combining two residential buildings and commercial spaces perched above a new laneway precinct, Richmond Square has been designed to offer not only luxury residences, but a vibrant neighbourhood within one of the city’s most sought-after suburbs.
Positioned just behind the corner of Swan and Church Streets, Richmond Square has been planned with walkability and connectivity to sports precincts, dining, arts, retail, the CBD and the rest of Melbourne in mind.
With public transport options, green spaces and cultural venues all within five minutes, Richmond Square offers everything a modern city lifestyle has to offer.
More than just premium homes, Richmond Square offers a bold new neighbourhood in the heart of Melbourne.
A fusion of heritage and modern living
Rising above the laneway precinct at the centre of Richmond Square are two architecturally distinct residential buildings designed by SJB.
Named Wiltshire House and Carmine House, the buildings reflect a balance between Richmond’s industrial heritage and the demands of contemporary urban living.
Beaudene Fulwood, director of SJB, says there has been a broader shift recently in urban development to prioritise long-term community outcomes over short-term gains.
“We’re seeing a revival of human-scale living—knowing your neighbours, knowing your barista,” Fulwood says.
“That kind of connection is becoming essential to how people want to live.”
The architectural approach draws from the textures and scale of the surrounding neighbourhood, with facades designed to reference local heritage while introducing modern elements—think red concrete facades and green tiles.
Manuela Millan, design manager at Fortis, says they’ve taken attention to detail to another level.
“Our approach at Fortis is to create places people can live a full life in—not just create beautiful apartments, but everything from the door handle to the laneway precinct tells a story,” Millan says.
Richmond Square is designed around the desire for community-focused living.
Designed for comfort and liveability
Set behind the active corridors of Swan and Church Streets, the development’s laneway precinct does what Melbourne does best.
“Melbourne is a city of discovery,” Fulwood says.
“That’s why designing laneways that draw people in, not just pass through, is so important.”
Designed to provide a more intimate, pedestrian-oriented experience, this pocket of retail, dining and lifestyle offerings inspired by Melbourne’s rich laneway culture encourages local engagement and slower-paced interactions, providing a contrast to the busier main streets nearby.
“The laneway isn’t an add-on—it’s an extension of the residential experience,” Millan says.
“Safe, social and beautifully designed.”
Internally, the apartments are crafted to offer high-quality finishes and open-plan living with a focus on comfort, natural light, space, durability and a sense of retreat and quiet.
Above the residences, rooftop spaces designed by landscape architects Acre serve as communal green areas with views across the city skyline.
With a BBQ, pizza oven, kitchen, private bookable dining rooms, terraced lawns and wellness facilities on offer, these spaces are designed for residents to relax and connect.
With exclusive rooftop spaces and resident amenities, Richmond Square is perfect for a city lifestyle.
Richmond’s stable and growing market
Richmond continues to be one of Melbourne’s most sought-after suburbs, with realestate.com.au data reporting a median house price of $1.3 million—a value that has remained steady and shows little sign of decline.
The suburb’s appeal lies in its vibrant mix of local amenities, including a diverse range of dining options, close proximity to Melbourne’s renowned sporting precinct and easy accessibility to the CBD.
Residents also benefit from numerous parklands providing green spaces amid the urban environment.
Richmond’s strong public transport links further enhance its attractiveness, with East Richmond Train Station located just across the road from Richmond Square and a tram stop nearby.
These factors, combined with Richmond’s popularity as one of the most searched suburbs on realestate.com.au last year, underscore the ongoing demand and confidence in the area’s future growth.
Located in an iconic and lively part of Melbourne, Richmond Square is sure to attract interest from buyers.
Time to get your next move right
With move-in expected by Christmas 2026, buying at Richmond Square offers prospective residents the chance to plan ahead and choose from a range of options suited to different budgets and lifestyles.
Building on their work in Double Bay, Cremorne and elsewhere across NSW and Victoria, Fortis maintains a focus on creating neighbourhoods that blend modern design with carefully selected retail partners to make a meaningful contribution to the urban landscapes they inhabit.
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U.S. District Judge Franklin Valderrama ruled that allowing the CFPB to unwind the deal, finalized last year, “would erode public confidence in the finality of judgments” and open “a Pandora’s box.” He said such a move would imply that any new administration could revisit and nullify prior settlements simply because it disagrees with the original decision.
“Presumably, CFPB launched the lawsuit after it determined that there was a legal and factual basis for the suit,” Valderrama writes. “Apparently, that was not the case. Now, current CFPB leadership under the second Trump administration, in an act of legal hara-kiri that would make a samurai blush, falls on the proverbial sword and attests that the lawsuit lacked a legal or factual basis.”
Valderrama writes that while “it is impermissible for government agencies to target people or entities because of protected speech” neither his Court nor the Seventh Circuit addressed Defendants’ First Amendment argument. “Therefore, that issue was not adjudicated.”
Townstone defense attorneys react
Townstone Financial defense attorneys told HousingWire they are “deeply disappointed with the judge’s decision but respect it.”
“We believe his decision does not fully reflect the actual facts of the case,” they stated. “However, a critical development underscores the injustice faced by Townstone; the CFPB’s own internal investigation acknowledged that Townstone did not engage in discriminatory practices and was instead targeted for its political speech.
“This extraordinary admission by the CFPB highlights serious concerns about regulatory overreach and the weaponization of enforcement actions against protected speech — issues that strike at the heart of fairness in our industry.”
Defense attorneys added that they remain committed to advocating for reforms to “prevent similar challenges for other companies” and “ensuring that regulatory actions are grounded in evidence, not political agendas.”
Case background
The original case stemmed from a July 2020 CFPB complaint alleging that Townstone engaged in practices that illegally discouraged prospective Black applicants from applying for mortgage loans.
At the time of filing the complaint, the CFPB argued that such speech — used in advertising that generated up to 90% of the company’s mortgage leads — was not protected by the First Amendment.
The agency claimed only 1.4% of Townstone’s Chicago loan applications came from Black applicants between 2014 and 2017 — compared to 9.8% for competitors.
The Trump-aligned CFPB leadership later reversed course, arguing that the case was politically motivated and that the bureau had abused its authority by using AI-powered software to analyze 78 hours of radio content.
The CFPB — now under leadership installed by the second Trump administration — sought to void its own settlement in a rare legal maneuver. The move drew sharp criticism from civil rights and consumer groups, who said undoing the agreement would set a “dangerous and destabilizing precedent.”
Those groups — including the ACLU, National Fair Housing Alliance, Consumer Federation of America and the National Consumer Law Center — filed a friend-of-the-court brief opposing the CFPB’s reversal.
Valderrama’s ruling aligns with their view that the agency cannot arbitrarily reverse a negotiated settlement, even under new leadership.
The CFPB’s retreat from multiple enforcement cases has prompted criticism within the agency.
CFPB Enforcement Chief Cara Petersen resigned Tuesday — writing in a farewell email that current leadership “has no intention to enforce the law in any meaningful way.”
A tiny brick building on an inner Melbourne laneway has been offered for sale for about the same price as a city apartment.
Situated in a laneway just off Brunswick Street in Fitzroy, the property is marketed as a “rare inner-city opportunity” and has been listed for sale with a $550,000 to $600,000 price guide.
That makes it about the same price as a typical Melbourne unit, valued at $588,000, according to the latest PropTrack Home Price Index.
Measuring just 70sqm, the property consists of three storerooms which the listing describes as a “blank canvas for conversion, reinvention or continued use”.
But what the property may lack in size and fitout, it certainly makes up for in its location right in the middle of Fitzroy’s buzzing dining scene.
It’s footsteps from top-rated eateries Rice Queen, Masti and Afghan Gallery, while popular cafe Nico’s Sandwich Deli with its cult favourite Cubano is at the other end of the lane.
A graffiti-covered brick shed in Fitzroy is on the market with a $550,000 to $600,000 price guide. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
The brick shed is on its own title, having been subdivided from a commercial property on Brunswick Street.
Selling agent Julie Taylor of BigginScott Richmond said it had recently been used as storage for nearby businesses.
“We’re thinking it was just purpose built as sheds, but it could have even been stables at one time,” she said.
Ms Taylor said an application had been lodged with Yarra council to name the laneway, which would give the property its own distinct address.
The brick building is divided into three separate sections, which have been used for storage. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
Like the other properties backing onto the laneway, the building’s exterior is completely covered in layers upon layers of graffiti.
The building’s stripped back interiors match its grungy alleyway position, with exposed brick walls and timber rafters and a rough concrete floor.
Despite its unpolished state, Ms Taylor said it had a lot of potential, and had already attracted plenty of interest from buyers with big plans.
“With the right vision you could make it something really cool,” she said.
“There are buyers looking for something really different, very much not the norm, and this absolutely not the norm.”
Neighbouring properties on the other side of the laneway include studios that have been built above garages. Picture: Getty
Ms Taylor said the unique property could potentially be converted into a home by adding on a second storey, subject to council approval.
“It would be sad to see it pulled down,” she said. “It would be great to see if somebody could work with it.
“Everything about it makes it what it is. It would be a shame for that to be lost.”
A handful of other properties backing onto the same laneway include garages that have been renovated to include studio accommodation above, potentially providing inspiration for buyers keen to take on the project.
Fitzroy has a median house price of about $1.71 million, which is up almost 12% in the past year, making it one of the top-performing Melbourne suburbs for price growth.
The property is offered by expressions of interest closing July 3.
Taylor Swift. Picture: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Taylor Swift has been granted a restraining order against a Colorado man after he repeatedly showed up to her Los Angeles home and claimed to be in a “relationship” and live with her.
The singer told a California judge that Brian Jason Wagner, 45, from Henderson, Colorado, made visits to her $US25 million ($A38 million) LA house in July 2024, Realtor reports.
Mr Wagner allegedly turned up at the property multiple times up until May of this year, according to NBC News.
The pop star who is currently dating Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce, filed a protection order against Mr Wagner on June 7.
Swift has filed a restraining order against a man after he repeatedly showed up to her Los Angeles home. Picture: Getty Images for TAS Rights Management
The musician stated in legal documents that her security team had confronted him on numerous occasions — and alleged he had once been found at her property “carrying a glass bottle that could have been used as a weapon”.
“During each of these visits, I am informed that Mr. Wagner made various statements about living at my property (not true), being in a relationship with me (not true), believing I am the mother of his son (not true), and needing to see me in person, all of which are untrue and disconnected from reality,” Swift said in the filing.
She added that Mr Wagner’s behaviour made her “fear for my safety and the safety of my family.”
The man claimed to be in a “relationship” and live with the singer. Picture: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Most recently, Swift says that Mr Wagner turned up to her Los Angeles home twice in May, claiming that he begged on-site staff to let him see her, before insisting that “he was there checking on a friend”.
Following that incident, Swift’s team ran a criminal-background check and discovered that Mr Wagner had previously been incarcerated in 2023.
Mr Wagner began sending the Grammy-winner “lengthy communications” in which he professed his love for her and made multiple references to them being in a “relationship”.
A member of the singer’s security team claimed that Mr Wagner made several attempts to contact Swift while behind bars, prompting them to create a “security alert” that flagged him as being a threat to her safety.
“Mr Wagner has also sent my staff hundreds of emails with similarly concerning and threatening language, tried to divert mail from my residence to his attention, and even lied to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to somehow change the address on his driver’s license to my Los Angeles home,” the singer claimed.
“The fact that both of these recent visits and Mr. Wagner’s inappropriate and threatening communications to my staff about me have escalated in recent weeks creates a fear of imminent harm.
Swift is currently dating NFL pro Travis Kelce. Picture: TheStewartofNY/GC Images
Swift’s team decided to escalate the situation to the California courts when a driver’s license for Mr Wagner with the star’s address listed as his own was shipped to her property.
The hit-maker emphasised her fears in the filing as she noted that she doesn’t know Mr Wagner and has never met him, spoken to him, or shared the location of her property with him.
“I do not share publicly where I reside and have never shared my address or the location of my Los Angeles residence with Mr. Wagner,” Swift added.
“Therefore, the fact that Mr. Wagner has determined where I reside and visited the property several times, refusing to leave and claiming to need access, makes me fear for my safety and the safety of my family.”
According to members of her security team, Mr Wagner’s attempts to contact Swift have increased in recent weeks, with staff claiming that he has sent her 26 emails during that period.
Swift was granted a temporary restraining order for herself, her home, her car, and her workplace, against Mr Wagner until the hearing date on June 30.
Now that the judge has granted Swift the temporary restraining order, Mr Wagner could be arrested if he violates it.
In 2019, an Iowa man was arrested near her Rhode Island abode for carrying a backpack containing over 30 lock picks and burglary tools. Picture: RealtorShe also holds the keys to two Tribeca penthouses, a Rhode Island vacation getaway, and two Nashville abodes. Picture: taylorswift/Instagram
This isn’t the first time Swift has feared for her safety due to stalking or harassment.
In 2024, a man was charged with stalking and harassment for showing up to her New York pad over 30 times in the span of a couple of months.
Two years earlier, a drunken Virginia man was accused of crashing his car into her New York property before trying to enter her building.
In 2019, an Iowa man was arrested near her Rhode Island home for carrying a backpack containing over 30 lock picks and burglary tools. He informed police that he wanted to see Swift.
Swift purchased the California property in 2015 for $US25 million. The lavish spread was once owned by movie producer Samuel Goldwyn, co-founder of Goldwyn Pictures.
The home, which sits on two acres and offers over 10,000 square feet of living space, has been described in the listing as the “epitome of cordial grace and distinguished heritage.
Highlights of the home include seven bedrooms, a guest suite, a screening room, and a gym.
The parklike grounds offer up a championship tennis court, rose garden, pool, and pool house.
She also holds the keys to two Tribeca penthouses, a Rhode Island vacation getaway, and two Nashville properties.
Parts of this story first appeared in the Realtor and was republished with permission.
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https://www.juliankent.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/logo.png00JKentshttps://www.juliankent.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/logo.pngJKents2025-06-13 12:01:222025-06-13 12:01:22Taylor Swift granted restraining order against alleged stalker
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