Costanza Genoese Zerbi — a nationally recognized real estate agent and founder of Long Beach, California-based Costanza Genoese Zerbi & Associates — has joined eXp Realty, the company announced Tuesday.
Zerbi, a veteran agent with nearly a decade of experience, brings a strong sales record to the brokerage. She closed $91 million in volume during a peak year and finished 2024 with $65 million across 65 transactions.
Her goal, she said, is to surpass her previous benchmark.
“I joined eXp to get back to my $91M year — and beyond,” Zerbi said in a statement. “This is a high-level, high-output environment that rewards drive, collaboration, and results. I’ve found the platform, the people, and the freedom that will help me scale again.”
Before joining eXp, Zerbi worked with Coldwell Banker and Redfin. She cited the independence and support that eXp offers as key reasons for her move.
“I was looking for that rare mix of strong infrastructure and zero bureaucracy,” she said. “eXp gives me the tools and autonomy to operate at my best.”
Born in Italy and fluent in multiple languages, Zerbi credits her international background for helping her build connections with a diverse clientele. She holds degrees from the University of California at Berkeley and UCLA, and she previously worked in corporate marketing before entering real estate.
Her performance has earned national recognition. Zerbi has been ranked in the RealTrends Verified Top 500 for both volume and sides, and her work has been featured in numerous national outlets.
Her husband, Neil, will be joining her in the business as the pair expand their real estate team. “We’re building something together that’s grounded in excellence and powered by eXp,” she said.
“Costanza represents the kind of visionary leadership and production-level excellence that thrives at eXp,” Leo Pareja, CEO of eXp Realty, said in a statement. “She’s not only a top producer, but also a collaborative force in the industry. We’re thrilled to welcome her to eXp and can’t wait to see what she accomplishes next.”
Real estate technology startup Goby Homes has launched a new platform aimed at increasing transparency, security and communication in residential real estate transactions, the company announced during the 2025 Realtors Legislative Meetings.
That announcement coincided with the National Association of Realtors naming Goby Homes founder Terrence Nickelson its 2025 iOi Innovator of the Year.
Nickelson said the platform was developed to reduce transaction failures and cybersecurity risks that continue to plague the industry. Nearly 250,000 real estate deals fall through each year in the U.S., according to Goby, and roughly half of real estate businesses have experienced a cyberattack in the past two years.
“Despite countless tools available, transactions still fall apart because key information gets missed, roles and responsibilities are unclear, and real-time transparency is almost nonexistent,” Nickelson said. “Without a shared source of accountability, confusion builds, leading to friction, a poor client experience, and ultimately, fallout.”
The Goby Homes platform serves as a central hub for all parties involved in a transaction — buyers, sellers, brokers and agents — allowing them to track progress, manage documents and communicate in a more structured and secure environment.
Personal motivation
Nickelson — who was inspired to launch the company after his aunt nearly lost a home purchase due to communication breakdowns — said the experience highlighted the need for a better system.
“Seeing her miss out not only on the home she envisioned for her family but also on the opportunity to build wealth through homeownership motivated me to find a better way,” he said. “My mission is to improve the home buying and selling experience and ensure that clients ultimately get what they came to us for.”
Dan Weisman — director of Innovation Strategy at NAR — praised Nickelson’s approach to solving longstanding industry challenges.
“We believe technology advancements are fundamentally driven by the individuals creating ideas and building innovations,” Weisman said. “NAR’s iOi Innovator of the Year Award celebrates the innovators and the solutions they’ve built to empower real estate professionals to exceed goals and grow their businesses.”
Human factor remains key
Nickelson accepted the award with a nod to the importance of human expertise in an industry increasingly shaped by digital tools.
“Receiving the Innovation of the Year award is a tremendous honor,” he said. “It reinforces my belief that while technology plays a crucial role in streamlining processes, in the real estate industry, particularly when dealing with our clients’ most significant investments, there’s truly no such thing as a completely ‘end-to-end’ platform driven solely by artificial intelligence.
“The nuances of each deal demand the experience and know-how of seasoned professionals. Our platform is designed to empower these professionals by providing them with better tools, not to replace their invaluable expertise.”
Nickelson was also recently recognized with the Innovation Impact Award from the National Fair Housing Alliance and selected for the Equity Angels’ Catalyst Program.
The Goby Homes communication platform is currently available to brokers, agents, and clients nationwide.
Ten years ago, most people would baulk at paying more than $1 million for a house. In fact, in 2015 just 273 of Australia’s more than 15,000 suburbs had a median house price of $1 million or more.
It makes sense, back then the median house price in NSW was just $550,000, and most other states had medians in the $400,000s. In Tassie and South Australia, a typical house cost $280,000 and $368,000, respectively.
Fast forward to 2025, and the number of suburbs in the million-dollar club has almost quadrupled to 1073. That’s a further 800 suburbs where a typical house costs more than $1 million, according to a new analysis of PropTrack data.
Tweed Heads West in NSW has hit the million dollar club in the past 10 years. Picture: realestate.com.au
Many of them were coastal regional areas where houses were comparatively cheap 10 years ago – almost 80 of them had medians of $500,000 or less in 2015, and in some a typical house could be picked up for under $450,000.
For example, in the NSW suburb of Tweed Heads West near the Queensland boarder, the median house price was $398,500 a decade ago. It would now set a buyer back $1.04 million to pick up a typical house – an increase of 161%.
The analysis included suburbs with 30 or more sales in the year to May 2025, and only considered house prices – not unit prices or overall dwelling medians.
Sunrise Beach and Noosa Heads in QLD took the top spots for growth during the decade – with prices increasing from $580,000 to $2.01 million and $690,000 to $2.225 million, respectively, between May 2015 and now.
Suburbs which entered the million-dollar club after seeing growth of more than 200% were all coastal areas in NSW and Queensland, suggesting buyers have increasingly placed a premium on spots offering a beach-side lifestyle.
Queensland’s cheapest 2015 suburbs to have $1 million plus medians in 2025 included suburbs of the Gold Coast such as Hemmant and Highland Park and suburbs of Noosa including Pomona and Cooroy.
Of Victoria’s cheapest 2015 suburbs to grow to a $1 million-plus median in the decade, regional areas dominated the list, including Bright in the state’s north, Bittern on the Mornington Peninsula and Manifold Heights in Geelong.
Houses in Bright, Victoria now have a median of $1.03 million. This one as 362 Montgomery Lane is listed with an asking price of $3.75 million.
Victoria’s most expensive suburb, Toorak, fell out of the country’s top 10 most expensive suburbs between 2015 and 2025, as did Deepdene in Melbourne’s leafy inner-east.
The most expensive suburbs in Australia are now all in NSW, as Melbourne prices have softened in the years since the pandemic.
What’s more, nine out of the 10 most expensive suburbs have median prices of more than $5 million and the number of suburbs where a typical house cost more than $2 million is now 226 – an increase of more than 200 when compared with 2015.
Bellevue Hill in NSW is the most expensive suburb in Australia at of May, 2025. Picture: Getty
Just three suburbs had median house prices of more than $3 million a decade ago, and none were in the $4 million club.
That number is now 76, and 27 of those had medians of more than $4 million – all of them bar one (Toorak) were in NSW.
In WA, all the suburbs with a $1 million-plus price tag in 2015 were in Perth’s beach- and river-side suburbs close to the city, including Dalkeith, Cottesloe and City Beach.
The state now has 56 more suburbs with six-figure medians and many are in inland areas traditionally not considered premium. This highlights the rapid-price growth seen in the state in the past five years in particular due to population increases and a lack of supply.
In South Australia, just two suburbs had a median house price of $1 million or more in 2015, now there are 73. In Tassie just one suburb is currently in the club – Sandy Bay – which had a median of $640,000 in 2015.
The ACT saw and increase of 32 suburbs hitting the $1 million threshold – up from two in 2015. There we no suburbs with a $1 million-plus median in the Northern Territory.
This article first appeared on Mortgage Choice and has been republished with permission.
A new residential opportunity in St Leonards is now on the market, offering oversized apartments, nature-inspired living, and cutting-edge amenity for discerning buyers.
Waterstone, developed by Sekisui House and architecturally designed by Koichi Takada Architects and Turner, features 207 premium and thoughtfully designed one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments.
“The luxurious apartments are spread across five buildings and nine stories,” says Peter Valleau, project director, Sekisui House.
“There are views out to the leafy suburb of Greenwich and to the Sydney CBD.”
With an exterior of natural stone, concrete, and bronze metallic finishes, Waterstone’s aesthetic perfectly complements the Lower North Shore’s nature-filled surroundings.
“Following our sustainability-inspired design principles, we have incorporated a ribbon of greenery – a densely landscaped green spine – that connects from one end of the site to the other, designed by Aspect Studios,” says Valleau.
With skyline views and access to local city life, Waterstone is a new and premium development in St Leonards.
Space and luxury
Waterstone embraces both ample living space and luxury, with spacious floorplans, quality fixtures and finishes, and an abundance of natural light.
“The apartments are not only oversized, but they also have flexible living arrangements,” says Valleau.
“For example, the larger two and three bedrooms have multipurpose rooms which could swap from a home office, exercise space, or nursery as you need it.”
Every apartment comes with premium European appliances, and there are various upgrades and interior personalisation options available.
“You can customise things such as pendant lighting, premium wardrobe fit outs, and natural stone kitchen finishes,” he says.
“This is a home you can really make your own.”
Waterstone residences feature luxury interiors with premium finishes and appliances.
Extensive amenity
Catering to buyers who want a complete lifestyle experience, Waterstone offers luxurious health and wellness facilities and elevated relaxation spaces.
“We’re delivering a high level of amenity within the project,” says Valleau.
“There’s a gym, outdoor heated pool with spa, sauna, and a beautifully designed pool pavilion building.”
For relaxing and entertaining guests, there is a shared lounge and dining area with a kitchen, barbecue and fireplace.
A co-working space, EV charging stations, parcel lockers, and pet wash bay make modern living simple, Valleau points out.
“When residents get back from walking their dog, they can wash their pet in the pet wash bay and don’t have to bring muddy footprints into their apartment,” he says.
For children, there will be a nature-inspired play area that embraces the natural environment at the northern end of the green spine.
With green spaces and an exclusive pool pavillion, Waterstone offers residents exceptional amenities.
Exclusive location
St Leonards has been popular with Sydney residents looking for superb amenity and connectivity, yet also want to be surrounded by nature.
Waterstone is positioned a short walking distance from St Leonards station and is also not far from Wollstonecraft station and the new Crows Nest Metro, ensuring easy access to Sydney CBD and other key activity hubs.
“It’s very close to the popular suburb of Greenwich and new developments such as Mall 88 which has a Coles supermarket and other shops and services,” says Valleau.
St Leonards’ ample green spaces and parks include Smoothey Park and Newlands Park.
Two pocket parks are also being developed by the local council on either side of Waterstone, creating even more opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.
Available apartments
For buyers interested in making Waterstone home, there is a great mix of apartment sizes, configurations and price points to choose from.
One-bedroom residences start from $1,050,000, two bedrooms from $1,650,000, and three bedrooms from $2,390,000.
“All apartments have a storage cage and at least one allocated and secure underground parking space,” says Valleau.
“All the three-bedroom apartments come with two car spaces.”
Valleau says the variety of apartments on offer means that Waterstone suits buyers with different requirements, such as local downsizers keen to shift into a fuss free, lock up and leave lifestyle, or busy professionals wanting everything at their fingertips.
“At Waterstone, you’re surrounded by nature with close connection to all the urban conveniences that you could need,” says Valleau.
The mind-blowing mass that took over an entire water tank. Source: BigCountryEarthworks/TikTok
Experts have sound the alarm over silent alien invaders wreaking havoc in Aussie backyards that could cost homeowners thousands, as shocking footage shows a 5.5m monster torn from a tank.
And they’ve placed some very popular species on the garden terrorist hit list for those likely to cause significant damage.
This as nightmarish alien-like tentacles of a massive root system that seized control of an enormous water tank was exposed by tendrils that burst out the roof, forcing homeowners to destroy the entire system.
Elliot Aisthorpe of Big Country Earthworks shared jaw-dropping footage of the two-storey high monster root system pulled out of a backyard watertank. Source: BigCountryEarthworks/TikTok
Elliot Aisthorpe of Big Country Earthworks shared jaw-dropping footage of him pulling out a behemoth two-storey high monster out of the backyard watertank, warning it could happen to anyone who planted trees with invasive roots near their property.
“This is a great example why you should never plant trees with invasive roots near your home. You can just see what sort of damage they’re going to cause,” he warned.
“Look at this little tree growing out of the top of the tank. Let’s go and have a look and see what’s inside. Holy moly. Look at the roots. No wonder why we’re pulling these tanks down,” he said.
“I’m using my excavator here to pull them out. Have a guess how long you think these roots will be?”
SCROLL DOWN FOR HOMEOWNER’S GUIDE TO PREVENT INVASION
These innocent looking plants at the top of the water tank led to a massive find. Source: BigCountryEarthworks/TikTok
It would have been impossible to remove without heavy machinery. Source: BigCountryEarthworks/TikTok
He was dwarfed standing next to it, like something out of a sci-fi horror film. “Yep, that’s me standing next to it. I’m a metre 85 and it’s about three times the height of me.”
Water supply firm Unitywater executive manager customer delivery Rhett Duncan warned they were now finding one in every three pipe blockages and overflows were caused by tree root invasion.
In a six-month period across the Sunshine Coast, its crews attended more than 1300 blockage or wastewater overflow jobs, of which 439 were caused by tree roots.
Experts are warning homeowners that they could face thousands in damage unless they make informed planting choices. Source: Unitywater
Images of root invasion exposed by tradies working for Unitywater. Source: Unitywater
“Tree roots find their way into pipes to access the water and continue growing in there, effectively blocking the pipe or becoming a mass that other debris can attach to. They are then more difficult to remove and take our crews away from other jobs,” Mr Duncan said.
“Pipe blockages cause wastewater overflows in our infrastructure that can flow into and damage the environment, and in people’s homes, up through toilets and shower recesses, causing a smelly mess and potential health risks or property damage.”
“We know how stressful it can be for our customers who experience overflows on their property, as well as the costs associated with replacing private pipes. We’re asking the community to pause before they plant, consider the types of trees they’re planting and plant them away from pipes.”
Some of the plants torn out from water pipes. Source: Unitywater
Tree roots tradies have had to rip out of blocked pipes. Source: Unitywater
To help boost awareness, Unitywater has put up a free online mapping tool so residents can uncover the hidden network of water and wastewater pipes – something most Aussie operators now do to help stop damage,
“Input your address to check if there are any Unitywater pipes on your property. It’s good to know where your private pipes run too.”
A planting guide has also been created to help residents know what to plant and how far away from pipes to do so, and Mr Duncan urged gardeners to check in with local nurseries as well who could advise on suitability of other plants with short root systems.
GUIDE FOR HOMEOWNERS TO STOP INVASION:
What not to plant
Golden cane palm
Gum tree (large species)
Common fig
Lilly pilly (large species)
Umbrella tree (an environmental weed in this area)
West African tulip (this a Class 3 weed)
Pine tree
Poinciana
Jacaranda
Broad – leafed paperbark
Weeping paperbark
Mango tree
Coral tree
Willow (all types) (this a Class 3 weed)
Camphor Laurel (this a Class 3 weed)
Wisteria
Black bean
What to plant
Directly above or up to 1.5m away from water supply and wastewater pipes
Blue flax lily
Tall sedge
Spiny-headed mat-rush
Common tussock grass
Kangaroo grass
Common hovea
Between 1.5m and 3m away from water supply and wastewater pipes
Austral indigo
Dogwood
Dwarf banksia
Hairy bush pea
Sweet wattle
Woombye bush
Broad – leaved palm lily
More than 3m away from water supply and wastewater pipes
This whole-floor St Kilda penthouse features panoramic bay views, a rooftop retreat and high-end designer finishes throughout.
One of St Kilda’s most breathtaking penthouses has hit the market, with a $4m-$4.4m price guide.
Occupying the entire top floor of 30 The Esplanade, the four-bedroom, four-bathroom residence captures sweeping views of Port Phillip Bay, the Palais Theatre, Luna Park and the city skyline.
Kay & Burton Stonnington director Darren Lewenberg said the penthouse had interest from both downsizers and buyers across Melbourne, interstate and overseas.
“It’s interesting, we’ve had a lot of inquiry from the mature market, people coming out of large family homes who still want space to entertain and host the family, but in a more manageable setting,” Mr Lewenberg said.
“But it’s not just your typical downsizer.
“This home has a presence — it’s commanding attention from all over because people recognise how rare it really is.”
Designed by award-winning architects SJB, the penthouse was originally conceived as two separate apartments before a visionary former owner amalgamated the third floor and rooftop to create a one-of-a-kind full-floor sky-home.
The swanky pad boasts its own rooftop retreat complete with a spa, sauna, outdoor kitchen, daybed, three bar fridges and two alfresco bathrooms.
Wide European oak floorboards, Calacatta marble finishes and full-height glazing set a luxurious tone throughout, while the home’s scale and flow feel more like a freestanding house than an apartment.
The Smeg-appointed kitchen includes a 90cm gas cooktop and integrated Liebherr fridge, anchored by a showstopping marble island and a separate marble breakfast bar.
Curved custom bookshelves and gallery lighting give the penthouse’s main living space a refined, modern feel.
Floor-to-ceiling glass captures uninterrupted views over Port Phillip Bay, Luna Park and the city skyline.
The master suite includes walk-in and built-in robes, a marble ensuite and sweeping views across the foreshore.
A Calacatta marble island anchors the gourmet kitchen, fitted with Smeg appliances and a Liebherr fridge.
The internal layout includes multiple living and entertaining zones, with a dedicated dining space framed by views of Luna Park and the bay, and a lounge featuring curved custom bookshelves and gallery lighting.
The main suite includes walk-in and built-in robes plus a marble-clad ensuite, while two further bedrooms have private ensuites and the fourth is serviced by a central bathroom.
Mr Lewenberg said the double-glazed windows and acoustic insulation deliver surprising serenity to buyers despite the home’s buzzing Esplanade position.
“You can be standing inside, looking out over the city skyline or watching queues form at the Palais, and yet it’s absolutely calm,” he said.
“That combination of visual immersion and acoustic privacy is incredibly rare.”
But, the Kay & Burton Stonnington director said it’s the rooftop that leaves buyers speechless.
“The lift opens into the private lobby, and straight away you’re hit with uninterrupted views across St Kilda and the bay,” Mr Lewenberg said.
“People light up, there’s a physical reaction. And then they head upstairs and it all elevates again.
“It’s almost spellbinding.”
Marble-wrapped bathrooms throughout the penthouse add a luxe, spa-like feel to everyday living.
Dine with a view: the living zone overlooks Luna Park and the heritage-listed Palais Theatre.
The penthouse spans the entire top floor of 30 The Esplanade, directly above the St Kilda foreshore and Rigatoni restaurant.
No other penthouse offers this close a view of St Kilda’s most iconic landmarks, from every main room.
The rooftop zone is fully self-contained, with bathrooms, entertaining infrastructure, lush planters and ambient lighting, and all just steps from the sand.
“This home offers the ultimate balance, you’re in the thick of it, but you’re also completely cocooned,” he said.
“It’s irreplaceable.”
Other highlights include zoned heating and cooling, Liebherr wine fridge, powder room, full laundry, video intercom, direct lift access and basement parking for four cars with storage.
Expressions of interest close June 11 at 1pm.
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Opportunities for savvy property investors in Melbourne are looking promising, with new data revealing the city is now one of Australia’s cheapest capitals and also boasts robust long term growth fundamentals.
The latest Home Price Index data from PropTrack shows Melbourne’s median house price rose 0.8% to May to $782,000, continuing its promising recovery after a prolonged Covid-induced downturn.
Despite this progress, Perth has now overtaken Melbourne in median price for the first time in more than a decade, thanks to a strong 8.4% annual growth.
REA Group senior economist Anne Flaherty confirms the only cities with cheaper median house prices than Melbourne now are Darwin and Hobart.
This is a win for bother prospective investors and those not yet on the property ladder.
“Another thing is that because Melbourne is so much more affordable than most of Australia’s other capital cities, it’s the second cheapest city to rent in,” she said.
“So what that means is, it’s also most likely going to drive interstate migration into Melbourne as people being priced out of buying homes in the other capitals will potentially move to Melbourne.”
Ms Flaherty says Melbourne has also been identified as the Australian capital most likely to experience the strongest population growth during the next decade.
Melbourne is expected to bounce back after dive difficult years for prices since the Covid pandemic. Picture: Getty
“When people first move to a city, they’re more likely to be renters than owner-occupiers for at least the first five years,” she explains. “What that means is that Melbourne has had an absolute surge in migration.
“That means within a few years’ time, a lot of these people will be looking to buy their first home, and that’s going to lead to increased buyer demand.”
Why has Melbourne’s price growth been low?
Home prices across Greater Melbourne compared to March 2020 have increased just 16%, which was extremely low relative to the growth seen across other capitals, Ms Flaherty says.
“The Australian capital city average is actually 43% over that time,” she said.
“Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth have all seen home prices go up.”
REA Group senior economist Anne Flaherty confirms Melbourne’s price growth since 2020 has been extremely low. Picture: supplied
Melbourne’s housing supply relative to other capital cities contributed to its moderate price growth, Ms Flaherty adds.
“This isn’t the story currently, but if we look at housing supply issues, they are long in the making and in the case of Melbourne, there was quite a long period there where we were seeing quite a lot of new supply.
“So what that’s meant is that, we know in the markets that have the worst under supply relative to population growth, they typically see the most rapid growth but for Melbourne for a long time, housing supply had been keeping up.”
Jellis Craig Inner North partner and auctioneer Nigel Harry says that in recent years, particularly during the pandemic, many landlords had no choice but to sell their sub-million dollar apartments and townhouses.
“The 13 rate hikes we had, land tax and those that we’re initially holding on to them after they traded up to their bigger family home, with the best of intentions, have had to exit the market,” he says.
What lies ahead for Melbourne investors?
Melbourne is very likely at a turning point in its cycle, Ms Flaherty says.
“We have seen home prices start to increase again in 2025 and I think in addition to the population growth, we’re seeing the fact that interest rates are now coming down is giving people more confidence, particularly a lot of people like first home buyers, who may have been nervous to enter the market,” she adds.
The Reserve Bank of Australia has made two cash rate cuts so far this year, bringing rates down to a two-year low of 3.85%.
Mr Harry says further cash rate cuts would be the stimulus the Melbourne market needs.
“There is so much infrastructure going on around inner city, I think that people are seeing it as a pretty safe investment,” he adds.
Ms Flaherty says rental yields on a Melbourne unit were currently at 5.2%, which is above the capital city average.
“If you look at the yield on a house in greater Melbourne, it’s sitting at 3.8%,” she says.
“That’s a gross yield, and that’s pretty on par with what we see in the other capitals, it’s actually a little lower than what we see in a lot of the other capitals.”
Looking to invest in Melbourne?
Below are some investment-friendly houses and apartments currently for sale in Australia’s third-cheapest capital.
Advertised with an approximate potential rental income of $750 per week, this Southbank two bedroom apartment is part of the circa 1888 Bond store building.
It is walking distance to Southbank Promenade’s restaurants, Crown, Federation Square and Flinders Street Station.
Highlights of the apartment include 89sqm of living space, which includes an open plan living and dining area, bedrooms with built-in robes and a renovated bathroom.
36/1 Riverside Quay, Southbank has an asking price of $750,000 to $825,000.
Described in its listing as offering “timeless elegance with exceptional inner-city convenience,” this two bedroom, one bathroom home is located in the heart of West Melbourne.
634 Spencer Street, West Melbourne. Picture: realestate.com.au
The solid brick Victorian terrace at 634 Spencer Street, West Melbourne includes a separate lounge and kitchen, a bathroom with a separate shower and a private, paved rear courtyard.
It is conveniently located near cafes, the CBD, Marvel Stadium, and the Docklands.
Investors looking for a home blending timeless elegance in a prime St Kilda location, should look no further than this four bedroom, one bathroom home.
11 Spenser Street, St Kilda. Picture: realestate.com.au
It has been used as a popular Airbnb residence, but is also suited as a tenanted investment.
Highlights of the home include soaring ceilings, a flexible floorplan offering the potential to convert the fourth bedroom into a master suite, an open plan kitchen, and manicured gardens.
11 Spenser Street, St Kilda is on the market for $1.9 million.
Available with vacant possession, the 14th floor studio apartment includes an open-plan living space with a built-in study nook and a private balcony with city views.
1410/181 A’Beckett Street, Melbourne is priced at $215,000 to $235,000.
Situated on the ground floor, this one bedroom apartment at 6/209 Dandenong Road, Windsor is described as having a rental yield opportunity of 8% to 9%.
The apartment has been freshly updated, with new carpet to the bedroom and includes a reserved parking spot and is conveniently located to public transport.
It is priced at $355,000 to $385,000.
This article first appeared on Mortgage Choice and has been republished with permission.
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Price growth has reignited in some markets after years of stagnation, but in other parts of the country the heat is coming out.
Interest-rate cuts have sparked renewed price growth across Australia, and some previously unloved property markets are now taking centre stage.
High interest rates for the past few years have put increased focus on Australia’s more affordable capitals and regions, where price growth has led the nation.
But with interest rates now heading down, buyers are returning to cities and regions where price growth has lagged and properties have become relatively more affordable.
Where housing markets are heating up
Comparing quarterly and annual property price growth can reveal where price growth is accelerating, and where markets may be cooling down.
The data shows that a recovery is well underway in previously-underperforming capitals such as Darwin, Hobart and Canberra, where price growth lagged the other capitals.
These cities are now recording steady price growth, with Darwin the strongest, up 2.8% over in the past three months and 6.1% in the past year.
Newcastle is the hottest market in Australia over the past three months, with house prices up 3.6%. Picture: Getty
In Melbourne, prices have stabilised and begun to recover in several key areas after the city languished behind the other capitals since the pandemic.
The strongest quarterly house-price growth was recorded in the inner city (up 3.5%) and north west (up 2.2%), while unit growth was strongest in the inner city (up 5.5%), south east (up 3.3%) and north west (up 2.8%).
Regions where house price growth is accelerating
Region (SA4)
State
Median value
3-month change
12-month change
Australian Capital Territory
ACT
$1,095,500
1.7%
2.4%
Illawarra
NSW
$1,178,500
1.9%
3.3%
Newcastle and Lake Macquarie
NSW
$1,034,500
3.6%
6.9%
Sydney – Inner West
NSW
$2,741,500
2.7%
4.1%
Sydney – North Sydney and Hornsby
NSW
$3,067,500
1.8%
1.6%
Sydney – Northern Beaches
NSW
$2,861,000
1.2%
1.6%
Sydney – Parramatta
NSW
$1,534,500
2.2%
4.2%
Sydney – South West
NSW
$1,269,000
2.2%
5.7%
Sydney – Sutherland
NSW
$1,946,000
2.2%
3.3%
Darwin
NT
$645,000
2.8%
6.1%
Brisbane – South
QLD
$1,358,500
2.5%
6.0%
Gold Coast
QLD
$1,344,000
3.1%
6.9%
Hobart
TAS
$777,500
1.3%
3.4%
Bendigo
VIC
$657,000
2.3%
2.5%
Melbourne – Inner
VIC
$1,467,500
3.5%
-0.1%
Melbourne – Inner East
VIC
$1,992,500
1.0%
-2.3%
Melbourne – Inner South
VIC
$1,819,500
1.7%
-0.9%
Melbourne – North East
VIC
$958,500
1.5%
-0.5%
Melbourne – North West
VIC
$837,000
2.2%
0.9%
Melbourne – Outer East
VIC
$1,051,500
1.3%
0.2%
Melbourne – South East
VIC
$963,000
1.1%
1.6%
Mornington Peninsula
VIC
$1,130,500
2.8%
0.2%
Source: PropTrack. SA4 regions defined by ABS standards.
The data covers price growth for SA4 regions, which are geographical areas defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) with a minimum population of 100,000 people.
REA Group senior economist Eleanor Creagh said Melbourne’s turnaround was a result of its relative affordability and stabilising sentiment after price growth lagged the other capitals in the past five years.
Inner Melbourne’s housing market is heating up again after a slow few years. This two-bedroom house in Carlton recently sold for $2.015 million. Picture: realestate.com.au/sold
“Melbourne is now catching up after a sustained period of underperformance relative to other capitals – a common pattern in cyclical housing markets,” she said.
“The recent rate cuts and prospects of further easing have improved borrowing capacity and boosted buyer confidence, providing a catalyst for a gradual rebalancing.”
House prices are up about 2.8% on the Mornington Peninsula in the past three months, which comes after a slower period that followed the pandemic boom. Bendigo recorded house-price growth of about 2.3%.
In Sydney, the inner west, south west, Parramatta and Sutherland regions clocked the fastest quarterly growth for houses, while unit prices grew fastest on the northern beaches.
Sutherland-based real estate agent and Pulse Property Agents director Ben Pike said many buyers were fearful that prices would jump quickly as a result of falling interest rates and had become more competitive.
This three-bedroom house in Gymea in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire recently sold for $2.336 million amid a jump in values off the back of interest rate cuts. Picture: realestate.com.au/sold
“People still have 2021 in their memory when the market jumped up about 25%,” he said.
“Week on week we’ve seen more engagement with listings online, more enquiries, and open home numbers have tripled.”
“Instead of having one or maybe two good buyers per property, you’re looking at five or six.”
“The most competitive price range for freestanding homes is between $1.5 million and $2.5 million.”
Regions where unit price growth is accelerating
Region (SA4)
State
Median value
3-month change
12-month change
Capital Region
NSW
$535,000
1.7%
2.6%
Illawarra
NSW
$779,500
1.7%
4.9%
Sydney – Baulkham Hills and Hawkesbury
NSW
$1,022,500
1.5%
2.5%
Sydney – City and Inner South
NSW
$1,039,500
1.8%
0.2%
Sydney – Inner West
NSW
$1,010,500
1.4%
0.4%
Sydney – Northern Beaches
NSW
$1,459,000
2.6%
2.9%
Bendigo
VIC
$444,500
0.5%
1.4%
Geelong
VIC
$612,000
1.2%
0.9%
Melbourne – Inner
VIC
$613,000
5.5%
1.3%
Melbourne – Inner East
VIC
$817,500
0.4%
-3.7%
Melbourne – Inner South
VIC
$834,000
1.3%
0.7%
Melbourne – North East
VIC
$640,500
0.6%
1.2%
Melbourne – North West
VIC
$601,500
2.8%
1.8%
Melbourne – South East
VIC
$660,000
3.3%
0.7%
Southern Highlands and Shoalhaven
VIC
$637,000
1.0%
-0.6%
Source: PropTrack. SA4 regions defined by ABS standards.
The Illawarra region, which spans from Sydney’s southern boundary all the way south to Gerringong, notched an almost 2% uplift in the past three months, with values having grown faster than Sydney overall in the past year.
But the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie region was the standout in the past three months, with its 3.6% house-price growth making it the strongest-performing region in Australia on a quarterly basis.
Newcastle leads the nation for house price growth over the past few months. This three-bedroom house in the beachside suburb of Merewether recently sold for $2.521 million. Picture: realestate.com.au/sold
Newcastle real estate agent and Salt Property director Lyndall Allan said buyers had long been drawn to the city from other cities such as Sydney and Canberra for the laid back coastal lifestyle, but demand increased when interest rates were cut.
“We always have a steady interest from people wanting to move to Newcastle but of late we have a much bigger influx of investors,” she said.
“Rentals are very strong here so it makes good investment sense.”
Where housing markets are cooling down
At the other end of the spectrum, a number of regions have recorded property price declines over the past quarter, or significantly slower growth than in previous months.
Many of these regions also happen to be among the strongest-performing property markets in the past few years, with prices doubling in just five years in some cases.
Regions where house price growth is slowing
Region (SA4)
State
Median value
3-month change
12-month change
Mackay – Isaac – Whitsunday
QLD
$626,000
-1.7%
9.3%
Perth – North East
WA
$852,500
-0.8%
9.3%
Townsville
QLD
$607,000
2.3%
20.0%
Western Australia – Outback (South)
WA
$499,000
-2.6%
6.4%
Bunbury
WA
$802,500
0.0%
9.6%
Mandurah
WA
$777,500
0.7%
9.1%
Sunshine Coast
QLD
$1,293,000
0.6%
5.9%
Source: PropTrack. SA4 regions defined by ABS standards.
Ms Creagh said a slowdown in price growth may reflect many factors such as seasonality, shifting demand or affordability challenges after rapid price jumps.
“In many cases, slower growth simply signals the market is stabilising, not reversing, meaning prices may plateau or grow at a slower pace, rather than fall,” she said.
“However, if slowing growth is accompanied by accumulating listings, a downturn in the economic cycle, or demand and sentiment shocks, it may foreshadow a more sustained downturn.”
Parts of Perth were topping the charts for price growth this time last year, but the rate of annual growth across the city has more than halved since then.
In Perth’s north east, house prices declined by 0.8% in the past three months, while in Mandurah, the 0.7% quarterly increase in house prices was much slower than the same time last year. Unit prices in the Mandurah region declined by 0.8% over the quarter.
Both unit and house price growth has slowed in Mandurah, a satellite city of Perth which experienced a rapid price surge in the past few years. Picture: realestate.com.au/sold
House-price growth in Bunbury has also stagnated, with values flat over the quarter.
The slowdown in price growth in many previously-booming regions indicated conditions were normalising, Ms Creagh said.
“Markets like Mandurah and Bunbury have recorded persistently strong growth in recent years, driven by affordability and lifestyle appeal, internal migration from capital cities and investor activity chasing yield and price growth,” she said.
“The recent slowdown in these regions is consistent with the late-cycle dynamics – after years of above-trend growth, price levels have pushed closer to affordability ceilings and demand has eased.
“In effect, these areas are normalising after an exceptional run, not necessarily entering downturns, but shifting into a lower-growth phase.”
Regions where unit price growth is slowing
Region (SA4)
State
Median value
3-month change
12-month change
Brisbane – South
QLD
$762,000
-0.1%
9.0%
Cairns
QLD
$454,500
-0.4%
5.3%
Central Coast
NSW
$732,000
-1.5%
2.7%
Mandurah
WA
$544,000
-0.8%
2.0%
Melbourne – West
VIC
$551,500
-2.0%
-7.1%
Perth – North East
WA
$547,000
1.6%
17.2%
Sydney – Eastern Suburbs
NSW
$1,449,500
-1.1%
0.7%
Sydney – North Sydney and Hornsby
NSW
$1,241,500
-0.4%
0.8%
Sydney – South West
NSW
$595,500
0.1%
3.2%
Toowoomba
QLD
$524,500
0.3%
9.1%
Townsville
QLD
$422,000
0.9%
22.4%
Source: PropTrack. SA4 regions defined by ABS standards.
In NSW, unit prices fell by about 1.1% in Sydney’s east, and about 1.5% on the Central Coast.
Melbourne’s west recorded a 2% drop in unit prices, with prices now 7.1% lower than a year ago.
House prices are down 1.7% over the past three months in the Mackay – Isaac – Whitsunday region of Queensland, which comes after a significant increase in values last year.
Townsville, which still remains the nation’s strongest region for annual house-price growth, has recorded slower quarterly growth in recent months.
Although price growth in Townsville remains strong, it has slowed in recent months as investor interest wanes. Picture: Getty
Prices rose a respectable 2.3% in the past three months, but this is about half the rate of growth compared with a year ago, when prices were really taking off.
“Growth has decelerated slightly from peak levels, moving past its growth peak but still performing well in relative terms,” Ms Creagh said.
Townsville real estate agent Jools Munro of Explore Property Munro & Co said elevated pricing for houses meant interest investors, who had contributed to strong demand, were becoming less active.
“We are definitely seeing a decrease in the number of interstate investors,” she said.
“We’ve still got a lack of supply to keep the pressure on the value of homes, but certainly we are starting to see our days on market for houses blow out.”
“But we are seeing more owner occupiers buy our houses so it’s good news for our locals.”
https://www.juliankent.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/logo.png00JKentshttps://www.juliankent.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/logo.pngJKents2025-06-04 12:01:152025-06-04 12:01:15Hot or not? Where property markets are heating up and cooling down
The face of coastal hotspot Glenelg is set to change, as work begins on a unique $55m 14-storey luxury apartment complex.
Construction has started on the boutique complex Dusk Glenelg – offering 10 levels of boutique apartment accommodation with a single home set to occupy each level.
But it won’t come cheap, with buyers needing more than $4m to secure one of the home’s exclusive sky homes.
Each home offers between 300sqm and 380sqm of living space and incorporating a private entry foyer.
Each will feature a 100sqm open-plan living kitchen, living and dining area; three bedrooms, three bathrooms and a powder room, with the larger apartments also featuring a study.
An artist’s rendering of the unique Dusk Glenelg. Supplied
Dusk Glenelg developers Harry Vetos, Mina Vetos and architect Enzo Caroscio on site. Photography by Kelly Barnes
Developers, Adelaide-born Mina Vetos and her husband Harry collaborated with architect Enzo Caroscio to bring the project – which will eventually house about 30 people – to life.
Mr Caroscio is responsible for the project’s sleek design, while Ms Vetos influenced the aesthetic of the floorspaces and interior design.
The couple enjoyed success with their Dusk Henley Beach Project – in which they have an apartment they use for family visits.
“The boutique, luxury nature of the project has been unapologetically designed for the top of the Adelaide beachside housing market and is aimed at sophisticated buyers with an eye for quality and luxury,” said Ms Vetos.
“It’s location on St John’s Row provides future residents with the best of both worlds, with
apartments boasting uninterrupted ocean, city and hills views, and the peace and quiet of being
away from the noise, hustle and bustle of the beachfront.
An artist’s impression of one of the grand master ensuites. Supplied
One of the stunning master suites. Supplied
How’s that for a view? Supplied
“It has been a pleasure to work with award-winning local architect Enzo Caroscio who has worked tirelessly to bring our vision to life.”
Mr Caroscio said the lifestyle residents would enjoy at Dusk Glenelg was second to none.
“There are very few projects in Adelaide where a single apartment occupies every level, and this provides significant scope for the building design, and the layout and interior design of each apartment, maximising the views for residents,” Mr Caroscio says.
Among the apartments’ inclusions are curved wall Jetmaster fireplaces, marble kitchens and curved panoramic windows offering views over the ocean, hills and city from every home.
The kitchens will feature a 4m marble bench with breakfast bar, integrated appliances, a walk-in pantry with wine fridge and built-in marble display bar.
A stunning powder room. Supplied
Each apartment features a reimagined sunroom and both front and rear balconies and the building offers private, secure entry and parking.
Dusk Glenelg sales agent Tony Matthews said interest had been strong since the project was launched late last year.
“Dusk is unique with only a select number homes within the project, each home occupying an entire floor and the quality of the design, build and interiors surpassing anything else on the market at Glenelg,” he said.
“Unit and apartment prices at Glenelg have surged by 8.3 per cent over the past year with demand fuelling a development boom in the suburb.”
One of the luxe kitchen and living areas. Supplied
Telly or view? What are you watching? Supplied
All of the materials have been meticulously selected. Supplied
Mr Matthews said four of the homes were already sold – including the penthouse and sub-penthouse – with prices ranging from “mid $4m to mid $5m.”
“All of the interest has come from locals, and indeed the buyers have, and that’s typical with what you see with these sorts of projects at these price points,” he said.
“We’ve had a lot of interest.”
The project coincides with work starting on the $40 million upgrade to nearby Jetty Rd.
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The TikTok door-kicking trend has surged in recent months. Picture: TikTok/@doorbellnews
While it might seem like a harmless prank at first, it often leaves residents bewildered and burdened with costly repairs.
Against this backdrop, the importance of your front door can’t be overstated as it’s more than just an entryway: it’s both the first impression of your home and a critical line of defence.
According to Realtor.com, high-quality doors can increase a home’s marketability by 5 per cent to 10 per cent, as it suggests durability and low maintenance.
High-quality doors can improve marketability. Picture TikTok/@italiirish33
Materials matter when it comes to front doors
With all of this in mind, as real estate agent Alexei Morgado puts it, homeowners should not view the front door just as a surface-level design enhancement but also as a security feature.
Fibreglass
Fibreglass offers a balance of strength, insulation, and low maintenance, mimicking the look of wood without the warping.
According to Doors Plus, “fibreglass doors lead the way in resilience to the elements and insulation performance”.
Although the price is high, fibreglass doors have a longer lifespan than wood or steel doors. Also, its low maintenance makes it cost-effective over time.
Steel
Steel is the most durable material available for front doors, making it an ideal choice for enhanced security. As long as the weather conditions aren’t too extreme, it will not be affected – unlike wood, for example, which can warp when it gets wet.
The downside of a steel door includes that it can be easily scratched or dented and requires a good finish to prevent rust.
Solid wood
Wooden doors can provide a stunning finish, and owners can accentuate the grain to achieve a beautiful appearance. They can also be stained or painted to give a different finish and to give a tired door a new lease of life.
While timeless and customisable, wood demands regular maintenance. But it adds unmatched warmth and character.
How to protect your front door
There are several upgrades owners can make.
Steel-reinforced doors with deadbolt plates and longer strike screws slow down break-ins fast. In addition, smart locks are helpful, but the core still comes down to the strength of the actual door and frame.
Owners should also consider smart security upgrades, such as video doorbells or cameras, which can deter pranks and enhance monitoring.
Finally, in terms of return on investment, doors are one of the simplest high-impact upgrades you can make.
Smart security upgrades like video doorbells or cameras can deter pranks. Picture TikTok
“But the ROI goes far beyond resale value. Insurers are also beginning to include fortified doors in homeowners’ premiums,” Morgado told Realtor.
“And even more valuable is time on the marketplace. Homes with obvious security upgrades, including smart doors and secure doors, also sell faster, particularly with millennials and Gen Z, who care about tech as much as security.”
Parts of this story first appeared in Realtor and was republished with permission.
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