In the heart of suburban Australia, neighbours can be both a source of comfort and contention. While many enjoy the camaraderie and support that comes with sharing a street, others find themselves embroiled in disputes that test the limits of civility and legality.

This story delves into the unsettling world of bad neighbours, examining the lengths to which some will go to achieve their desired outcomes, and the impact these actions have on community cohesion and individual wellbeing.

The celeb realtor Vs two tiny sheds

In a case that has captured public attention, a US-based real estate agent, Julian Galbraith Johnston, has been portrayed as the ultimate bad neighbour.

Johnston allegedly arranged for the illegal demolition of two historic fishing shacks on the Fleurieu Peninsula to improve the view for his new development.
George Lavrentiadis, who carried out the demolition, was paid $5000 and believed the action was legal.

Lavrentiadis admitted in court that he trusted Johnston’s claim that the shacks were not protected, as reported by The Advertiser.

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Barry Robertson, whose family owned one of the shacks, caught Lavrentiadis in the act and accused him of being “vermin” for destroying the shacks for such a small sum.

Robertson also claimed Lavrentiadis stole $29,000 worth of personal and historic items.

The shacks were part of a dispute between Robertson and Johnston, who argued they were on Crown land next to his property.

Despite Johnston’s denial of any wrongdoing, Lavrentiadis pleaded guilty to damaging property.

Prosecutors are now seeking jail time for Lavrentiadis, emphasising that the loss can’t be fixed with money alone.

This case highlights the clash between development and preserving history, with Johnston’s actions sparking debate about the impact of modernisation on treasured community sites.

Read more here.

Judge demands action in neighbour tree dispute

In a recent neighbourhood dispute in Budds Beach, Gold Coast, Rodney Ernest O’Kane took his neighbours Mark Francis Caughley and Roberta Rosina Battaglia to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) over flowering trees that hang over his rental property. Mr O’Kane claimed the trees blocked sunlight and dropped leaves into his pool, causing maintenance issues.

The tribunal ruled that the neighbours must prune the trees to form a hedge each winter, with the first trimming due by August 24, 2024, at their expense.

The dispute arose after Mr O’Kane complained about the trees damaging his landscaping and pool, claims which were denied by Mr Caughley and Ms Battaglia.

They argued that the trees were planted as a screening hedge 20 years ago and provided habitat for local wildlife.

The couple also stated that Mr O’Kane only raised issues about the trees after their relationship soured over a separate fence damage incident.

The tribunal’s decision highlights the complexities of neighbourhood disputes and the importance of maintaining good relations with neighbours.

Read more here.

The `evil nun’

A North Queensland woman hung a bucket of rotting fish near her neighbours’ kitchen window in actions “unlike anything” seen by a seasoned magistrate, Cairns Magistrates Court heard.

The Cairns Post reported in 2023, Elizabeth Anne Sheean, 66, pleaded guilty to the stalking and common assault of her two neighbours over 14 months from August, 2021 to October, 2022.

The dispute stemmed from her claims of excessive noise and problems with their pet cat.

After the rotting fish incident, Sheean placed an image of an “evil nun” from the movie The Conjuring on a window facing the couple’s house — for over a year until one week before her first court appearance.

“She knew my wife was religious and would be very upset by this. She had been calling us evil for quite some time,” the neighbour said.

The court heard she once hit a phone out of the hand of one of the neighbours and told them she wished they would die of cancer.

Magistrate Kevin Priestly said he found Sheean’s conduct “self-righteous” and “lacking insight”.

He sentenced her to three years’ probation and ordered she have no contact with the neighbours.

Tanks but no tanks!

In 2020, Branko Soda of South Australia, won a legal battle to have a large rainwater tank moved away from his home.
Upon returning from holiday, Mr Soda found the 46,000-litre tank installed next to his house, blocking his veranda view.
Although the Campbelltown Council had retrospectively approved the tank, the Environment, Resources and Development Court ordered his neighbour, Bayden Greer, to move it at least 800mm.

Mr Greer agreed to relocate it 2.5 metres further north and an additional 600mm from the boundary.

Mr Soda spent over $6,500 on the legal challenge, which attracted national attention and divided public opinion.

The court order also requires planting creepers to screen the tank, and Mr Greer has voluntarily started building a 2.8m high fence.
Although Mr Soda regrets not pushing for a greater distance during mediation, he is relieved to regain some of his view.

While some supported his cause, others saw no issue with the tank’s placement.

Read more here.

Neighbours at war over fence

In Brisbane, a neighbourhood conflict over a dividing fence reached boiling point in 2022, resulting in police intervention after nearby residents heard cries for help.
The dispute involved Reshael Sirputh and her neighbour Mitch McKee, who was caught on video dismantling a chain wire fence between their properties.
Ms Sirputh’s recording also captured her desperate attempts to stop him.

Mr McKee claims his actions were part of plans to construct a new fence.

However, Ms Sirputh argues that when Mr McKee moved in five years earlier, he built a paling fence in front of the existing chain wire fence, only to later remove it. Following council advice, Ms Sirputh erected a bamboo fence on her side when she got a dog, which Mr McKee also tore down.

The situation further escalated when Mr McKee was recorded swinging a hammer at Ms Sirputh’s dog, leading to claims of injuries to the animal, which Mr McKee denies.
The altercation included Mr McKee making threats against the dog, further heightening tensions between the neighbours.

Read more here.

Millionaire’s court battle over palm trees

Two millionaires in one of Sydney’s wealthiest suburb were locked in a court battle over palm, obstructing one of the homeowner’s exclusive harbour views.

Former Allianz chairman John Curtis took his neighbour businessman Winardi Pranatajaya to the NSW Land and Environment Court in 2024 over the palm trees, which he claims are obstructing the harbour views he has “enjoyed since purchasing his property in 1993”.

He argued that the trees breached an agreement on the property title limiting the height of items on Pranatajaya’s land.

However, the NSW Land and Environment Court, led by Acting Commissioner David Galwey, determined that the palm trees did not severely obstruct Curtis’ views and were important for maintaining Pranatajaya’s privacy.

The court found that while the trees moderately affected views from Curtis’ patio, they did not significantly impact views from other parts of his property.

The Trees Disputes Between Neighbours Act requires that trees must severely restrict sunlight or views to justify removal or pruning.

Galwey highlighted the trees’ landscape value and privacy benefits for Pranatajaya, suggesting that the parties might consider replacing the palms with bamboo, which could be kept at an appropriate height.

Curtis’ sandstone home, purchased for $1.62 million in 1993, is a historic five-bedroom residence built in 1856, featuring a grand drawing room, formal dining room, and a swimming pool with harbour views. The property is now estimated to be worth over $20 million.

Read more here.

Millionaire goes to war over size of boat

If you think size doesn’t matter – it does! Just ask Gold Coast resident, Maxwell Gordon Leslie, who has been embroiled in a dispute with his millionaire neighbours, Robert and Janice Buttner, over a pontoon and boat size at their Sanctuary Cove property.

According to an article published online by the Courier Mail, Leslie claims the Buttners violated community by-laws with their pontoon and building works, prompting the body corporate to take action against the Buttners at the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT).

However, Leslie’s request to join the tribunal case was denied, as the tribunal deemed his involvement unnecessary.

The body corporate alleges the Buttner’s pontoon exceeds approved dimensions and encroaches into the harbour.

They also claim the Buttners have not provided necessary information about the vessel and an engineering certificate for the pontoon.

Additionally, the tribunal will consider whether a guest bedroom window in the Buttner’s home complies with body corporate standards.

Leslie, who has a history of legal disputes with the Buttners, argues that their actions have negatively impacted his privacy and home amenity.

Despite his concerns, the tribunal ruled that Leslie’s previous legal actions indicated he intended to address broader renovation issues beyond the pontoon and window.

Read more here.

As it turns out, not even celebrities are immune from neighbour disputes.

Little appreciation for ‘Fort Guy’

Guy Sebastian’s massive Maroubra mansion on Sydney’s eastern beaches – nicknamed ‘Fort Guy’ by locals – has been at the centre of a battle with his neighbour in the area for several years.

Various claims have allegedly passed between singer Sebastian and his immediate neighbour Phillip Hanslow since 2017, of which some have ended up in court.

Sebastian spent $3.3m on the property in 2013 and set about making a huge home. Building costs are said to be around $7m.

His home sits on 1400 sqm, while Hanslow has a 325sqm block.

“We didn’t grow up in houses like this,” Sebastian has said of the home.
“Every day, we (he and wife Jules) look at each other and say, ‘Why is this us?’

“But there is beauty in feeling like an alien in your own space. You never fail to appreciate it.”

It seems his neighbour, doesn’t share the same appreciation.

“He’s (Sebastian) paranoid about security and has a large security camera outside so anywhere I go outside on the property, he can see,” Mr Hanslow has claimed.

“We’re going to have to sell. We’re too old for this.”

Read more here.

Billionaire is ‘blocking the way’

Aussie richlister Clive Palmer has come under fire after a decision to block access to a golf course left locals fearing for the safety of native wildlife and motorists, sparking a feud with his neighbours.

News.com.au reported last year, Residents of Yaroomba on the Queensland Sunshine Coast claim billionaire owner of the luxury course, Palmer, is putting the lives of eastern grey kangaroos at risk after he blocked the animals from accessing the course safely through an underpass.

With a tall metal gate fitted with spikes and padlocks preventing the kangaroos from entering the Palmer Coolum Resort, locals said the animals have been left to use an alternative route to cross a major highway.

If the gate were to be opened, it would allow local wildlife to pass between the east and west sides of David Low Way.

Those petitioning for the mining magnate and former politician to open the gate said three kangaroos and a joey have been killed on the nearby road, with some fearing it’s only a matter of time before someone is involved in a serious accident or killed.

While some believe the safety of local wildlife has compromised the development in the area, others believe it is a direct result of the blocked thoroughfare which was previously used for golf cart access.

Read more here.

Jennifer Hawkin’s reno ‘the biggest thing ever’

Former Miss Universe Jennifer Hawkins and her husband Jake Wall copped criticism last year from enraged neighbours over their $30 million mansion construction.

Hawkins and Wall, who together own the design and construction firm J-Group, are building a mega mansion in the exclusive suburb of Whale Beach, 40km north of Sydney’s CBD.

The celeb couple do not intend to live in the property, with reports the home has been already sold to a mystery buyer for a little under $30 million.

As renovations continue, the constant stream of construction trucks and alleged illegal parking has left local residents fuming.

According to media reports, one local resident had his driveway blocked off for hours a day on several occasions while another had his lawn destroyed by cement mixers.

Aerial pictures show the enormous scale of the home – dwarfing nearby dwellings and appearing more than three times the size of its nearest neighbours.

Work on the $30 million compound began in 2022 after receiving approval from Sydney’s Northern Beaches Council for $3.3 million worth of construction.

One upset resident says they were sick of the ongoing construction and described it as “the biggest thing in the whole peninsular at the moment”, reports the Daily Mail Australia.

“It’s so huge, it’s out of character with Whale Beach, it’s too big and unnecessary. I have anxiety now,” the resident said.

Read more here.

The post Australia’s worst neighbours exposed appeared first on realestate.com.au.

The number of homes for sale in Darwin has plummeted by more than one-third in the past year despite an uptick in monthly figures.

The latest PropTrack Listings Report found the number new Darwin listings on realestate.com.au were up 21.4 per cent in May, while total listings lifted 1.4 per cent.

Despite these increases, new listings were down 35 per cent year-on-year and total listings were down 35.5 per cent.

In regional NT, new listings were up 10.8 per cent in May and 10.8 per cent in the past year.

Total listings in regional NT were down 1.4 per cent year-on-year despite a monthly increase of 2.5 per cent.

Darwin agent Darren Hunt, of Real Estate Central Projects, said the Darwin market was experiencing a definite reduction in supply, with sellers waiting for further price growth a contributing factor.

“There is a significant higher degree of awareness among Darwin residents that their properties are increasing in value,” he said.

“Darwin has been the best performing market in the country for past few months and we expect that to continue.

“We expect to see double-figure growth in Darwin market this year.

“It’s been 11 years since the previous market high and without doubt we will eclipse that.”

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Mr Hunt said an increase in off-market sales to investors was also impacting listing numbers in the Territory’s capital.

“Nearly half of the properties that are being transacted are being transacted off market,” he said.

“Prospective buyers need to be in contact with agents to make sure they’re getting access to those properties.”

Mr Hunt said demand remained strong for Darwin property, especially in the $500,000 – $650,000 price bracket, where investors and first homebuyers were competing.

“You’re conventional three or four-bedroom home at that $500,000 – $650,000 price point is the sweet spot of the Darwin market,” he said.

“We’re seeing the most activity there and there’s a distinct shortage in that market.

“The properties that are available are finding numerous buyers and numerous offers, and we’re starting to see statistical evidence of price rises because of the strong demand.”

REA senior economist, Angus Moore said the number of homes for sale across the country increased in May as market activity picked back up after the Easter and Anzac Day long weekends in April.

“Every capital city recorded month-on-month growth in new listings, with Canberra, up 24.7 per cent, and Sydney, up 21.7 per cent, leading the gains,” he said.

Nationally, new listing were up 7.6 per cent in May but down 9.7 per cent year-on-year.

Total listings saw a slight uptick of 0.1 per cent for the month, however that figure was down 1.2 per cent compared to May 2024.

“Overall, this autumn selling season recorded a 4.9 per cent annual drop in new listings compared to autumn 2024, as April and May experienced slower activity than a year ago,” Mr Moore said.

“Annually, Perth, up 3.5 per cent, and Adelaide, up 3 per cent, were the only capitals to record a rise in new listings, as every other capital saw new listings fall.”

The post Listing numbers drop in Darwin real estate market appeared first on realestate.com.au.

Marilyn Culpitt’s home in Hendra is not just a dream house for entertainers – it’s also home to one of the largest personal Dr Seuss collections in the country.

The five-bedroom, three-bathroom house at 28 Blaikie St was bought in 2009, and has since become home to 29 original artworks of the famous children’s artist: from limited edition prints to even some of his taxidermy.

“I was in San Francisco and went into a gallery there, where I noticed a Dr Seuss print,” Ms Culpitt said. “Having four children, I was very well aware of the Dr Seuss books, but I had no idea he was such a prolific artist.”

“[Then] I was down in Sydney one day, and happened to walk into a gallery that was displaying ‘Green Eggs and Ham’, and that was my first piece that I bought.”

Ms Culpitt, a renowned dance teacher in Ascot, was also a fan of artist Gerard Manion’s work, and already had an array of his pieces by the time she started her new collection.

“I think my if you compare my Seuss to my Manion collection, I think my children thought I’d lost my marbles,” she said. “There’s a hidden meaning in just about every single one of [Seuss’] paintings, or his prints. But they’re a lot more simplistic, very colourful, – they just are what they are. They’re there to give you joy.”

Fortunately, the house had plenty of room for both collections. With four kids and 12 grandkids, Ms Culpitt’s house needed to be big enough to hold everyone for regular gatherings.

“There would be very few weeks that go by that I’m not cooking for somebody,” she said.

Place Ascot agent Tanya Mitchell said she’d seen some of the events Ms Culpitt had put on, and members of her community were paying attention when her house went up for sale.

“She ran the Ascot School of Dance for decades – she’s a well-known figure in the community,” she said. “I’ve had people on social media respond, ‘Oh, it’s Marilyn’s house!’.”

Ms Mitchell said Ms Culpitt had kept the home well-maintained after buying it from the builder, and the house would likely go to someone looking for a low-maintenance, executive home.

Meanwhile, Ms Culpitt, who is downsizing, said she had to deal with the fact that she can’t keep everything in her collection.

“The reality is I am going to have to sadly part with them, simply because I just won’t have the wall space,” she said.

“Some of the buyers that have come through already have inquired if they would come with the house,” Ms Mitchell added.

Ms Culpitt has said she was open to selling several of her artworks, and interested buyers could also make inquiries about some of them.

But there are some pieces she won’t part ways with without a fight. ‘Green Eggs and Ham’, ‘Yawning Cat’, ‘Ted’s Cat’ and ‘Wisdom of the Orient Cat’ are four prints she owns that she has a special attachment to, for either sentimental value or their unique and iconic designs.

“There’s a whole range of them, and they’re all lovely – but I suppose they’re the most iconic for whatever reason, for me,” she said.

Place Ascot is currently seeking offers over $2.75 million for the home.

The post Take a look inside the home of Australia’s largest personal Dr Seuss collection appeared first on realestate.com.au.

Elsa Pataky has revealed why her and husband Chris Hemsworth chose Byron Bay as their ideal place to settle down and raise a family.

When the duo got together, the fact of their upbringings, Pataky is from Spain and Hemsworth is a born and bred Aussie, always meant that finding a place to call their own might be a challenge.

One that can test any relationship.

Their very first pothole on that rocky road to true love was Chris’ ocker accent, Elsa said at first she didn’t know what he was talking about.

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“Chris had such a strong accent that we couldn’t understand each other,” she told Harper’s Bazaar.

Once Pataky learned to speak Australian, and love boomed, it was onto the next step in their relationship, where to find a home together.

After they were married in Indonesia in 2010, the pair made a pact.

“I made him promise that neither of us would force the other to live in their country, because they were so far apart.” actor Pataky said.

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It was then a trip to the east coast of Australia that sealed the deal.

“It ended up happening because he took me to Australia, he showed me Byron Bay and I fell in love, it was a paradise,” she said.

“I had always wanted to live near the sea and with animals, so I told him: ‘Okay, let’s go, but you promise me I’ll have horses.’”

Madrid-born Pataky said she had long ago decided she wanted to live on a farm, surrounded by nature.

“Living in Madrid is complicated when you’ve already lived in the countryside, in the middle of nature, it’s hard,” she said.

And Los Angeles was too restricting.

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“When you’re in Los Angeles, work suffocates you,” Pataky said.

“There, all the conversations, even the billboards you see on the street, have to do with the world of cinema and its industry.

“It can make you lose perspective.”

Instead the Hemsworths only trip to Los Angeles for work and to Spain for holidays.

“It brings me joy, the kids love it, the ham,” she said of Spain.

The couple’s social media shows off their holidays to Europe but it also shows the lifestyle they have wanted and found in northern NSW.

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The couple bought a big slice of land outside Byron Bay township in 2014 and three years later construction began on a huge home there, nicknamed ‘Fortress Hemsworth’ by the locals and worth as much as $50m, according to more recent valuations.

The home sits on 4.2ha estate that took three years to complete and boasts fantastic district views, all the way to the Pacific Ocean, six bedrooms, a media room, gym, spa and a massive 50m infinity pool.

Hemsworth has said in interviews, he enjoys making Byron Bay his home because he feels “less famous” and more grounded there.

The area has also become something of a family hang, with Liam Hemsworth also buying significant holdings in the areas.

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The post Huge promise Hemsworths made about Byron Bay appeared first on realestate.com.au.