Aussie renters remain trapped in a postcode lottery of insecure leases, soaring rents and substandard homes, two years on from a national pledge to deliver a better deal for long-suffering tenants.
A report ranking each state’s progress has delivered a damning assessment of reforms following the national cabinet’s 2023 Better Deal for Renters, which promised to hold landlords to genuine reasonable grounds for eviction, limiting rent hikes to once a year, and minimum housing standards.
This house in Piara Waters, WA is available to rent at $820 a week
Released by peak bodies National Shelter and the National Association of Renters’ Organisations (NARO), the report ranked WA as the second worst performer in the country, just behind the NT.
Alice Pennycott, of Make Renting Fair WA, said families were facing unfair evictions, unreasonable rent increases, invasive application processes, and unsafe and unhealthy homes at the height of a housing crisis.
“Every day, we hear from renters who are paying through the nose to live in uninhabitable and unsafe homes,” Ms Pennycott said.
“Renters are enduring faulty appliances, broken locks, leaks, dampness, mould, and extreme temperatures in winter and summer, afraid that speaking up could trigger eviction or another rent increase.”
This Northern Territory unit rental is advertised at $680 a week
Alarmingly, eviction without genuine cause remained a live threat in several states, including Queensland and Tasmania where no-grounds evictions were allowed for fixed-term tenancies.
New South Wales introduced legislation ending no-grounds termination notices in May 2025, but swiftly “opened a loophole by reducing the evidence requirements for termination notices due to significant repairs or renovations” just five weeks later, the report noted.
Meanwhile, Western Australia and the Northern Territory had shown “no notable or visible movement” in ending no-grounds terminations, leaving renters in these jurisdictions among the least secure in the nation.
A four-bedroom home in Yarrabilba, Qld renting for $680 a week
Protections against retaliatory evictions, where tenants were kicked out for asserting their rights such as requesting repairs, remained weak.
Renters also faced a patchwork of rules on weekly price hikes, with the ACT standing alone as the only state or territory to implemented a rent cap at “110% of the housing component of CPI.”
In stark contrast, the Northern Territory “continued to make no progress and [allowed] rent increases every six months,” exposing households to double the shock of other states.
While most states now ban agents from soliciting rent bidding, the report highlighted concerns about enforcement. Victoria will make it an offence to accept an unsolicited offer of a higher rent from November 2025.
A one-bedroom apartment in Melbourne renting for $560 a week
The report also slammed slow progress on minimum rental standards, despite widespread complaints from tenants living in unsafe or unfit housing.
Victoria had introduced new energy efficiency standards, but “unfortunately, the minimum standards legislated in 2018 still do not apply to all Victorian rental properties due to the impact of ‘grandfathering’ provisions.”
The ACT has only released a consultation paper, with “no announcements on any changes to the current provisions.” New South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory had made “no change” in legislated minimum standards over the past year.
City views from this Sydney apartment renting at $2,150 a week
Vulnerable groups, including boarders, lodgers, students and those in group homes, also remain largely outside tenancy law protections.
“Across jurisdictions there are still significant numbers of renters who are not provided protections and access to adequate dispute resolution through coverage under tenancy law,” the report warned.
“No Australian should be disadvantaged by the jurisdiction in which they live.
“Two years on, the promise of a Better Deal for Renters is still far from reality.”
Tones and I is returning to Tasmania, with two shows that sold out within hours.
Toni Watson, who sings as Tones and I, has secured tenants for one of her two Byron Bay investment properties.
Offering a year’s tenancy, Watson sought $1250 a week for the partly furnished four-bedroom, two-bathroom house on 329sq m through Scot Fuller of Fuller & Co.
The now renovated Bangalow Rd cottage cost $2.15m in 2022, after which it was rented out.
Five years ago, Tones and I, has spent $3.3 million on the outskirts of Byron Bay, unquestionably NSW’s property hotspot of 2020.
Toni Watson, who sings as Tones and I, has finally secured new tenants for one of her two Byron Bay investment properties.
The home offers the typical Byron Bay lifestyle. Supplied.
It marks an extraordinary return for Watson who was a Byron Bay busker with big dreams just two years ago.
Having seen her golden ticket ARIA-award winning career take off in 2019, Watson has secured two homes on the same holding, Sky Lodge and Starr Cottage.
Five years ago, Tones and I, has spent $3.3 million on the outskirts of Byron Bay, unquestionably NSW’s property hotspot of 2020.
Tones and I has built a property empire on the back of her music success. Picture: News Corp Australia
Records show the 1000sqm holding, marketed by Helen Huntly-Barratt at First National, was bought in a company name, Johnny Run Away, the title of her debut single, and coming out anthem, released in March last year.
It marked the end of a busy year for the property loving Watson as she also spent $5.1 million on a five-bedroom mansion in Melbourne’s coastal retreat, Mt Eliza, not far from Rosebud where she was born.
That year, the singer was back busking pre-Christmas, making a surprise appearance as part of the City of Melbourne’s Music in the City pop-up busking program.
Tones and I has two Byron Bay investment properties. Picture: realestate.com.au
The chart topper, who performed barefoot, last busked in the Bourke St Mall three Boxing Days ago, before she’d released any music but was selling demo CDs for $10.
The singer lived out of her van, and then in a hostel after quitting her retail job to move to Byron Bay.
In April 2021, Tones and I snapped up another multimillion-dollar property on the Mornington Peninsula, dropping $7.08m on a luxurious Mount Eliza pad with a dazzling basement lounge.
The singer’s first Mt Eliza home. Picture: Supplied
She owned the home for less than two years. Picture: Supplied
Title documents name the Dance Monkey singer — who also goes by Toni Watson — as the buyer of the OTT mansion with a pool and spa, and marble kitchen with a $150,000 oven.
The property, which has coastal views looking towards the city skyline, was first listed in 2020 for $8m-$8.8m.
Tones and I busking in Byron Bay. Picture: Facebook
When she was living out of a van.
Records show it sold for $7.08m earlier that year.
It is within walking distance of another property the musician purchased last year for $5.1m in the same suburb and a short drive from Frankston’s Lakewood Estate, where she is believed to have secured a humble $800,000 home for a friend or family member.
Tones and also bought this Mt Eliza home. Picture: realestate.com.au
It was bought for around $7m Picture: realestate.com.au
And has some very cool features. Picture: realestate.com.au
The singer quietly sold her Canadian Bay Rd, Mt Eliza home in November 2021.
Morrell and Koren buyer’s advocate Matt Cleverdon, who represented the purchasers, declined to comment on any details of the deal other than to say: “It’s a beautiful house and our clients are happy”.
Selling agent Dean Phillips, a director at McEwing & Partners, also remained tight-lipped but confirmed a sale had taken place on the prestigious street.
Two of SA’s property titans will join forces to deliver an exclusive series of eight $1.7m luxury homes – set to be the jewel in the crown of a stunning masterplanned community just 5km from Adelaide’s CBD.
The homes are a bold collaboration between Land Australia – part of the Hickinbotham Group – and renowned architect and SA legend Max Pritchard and will make up the final stage of the stunning Riverside development at Allenby Gardens.
The development, which is nearing completion and is more than 90 per cent sold, will feature 102 homes when complete and the first three of the final eight lots will be released tomorrow.
The Riverview Collection directly overlooks the River Torrens along Riverside Ave, and also offers access to Linear Park.
An artist’s impression of Riverside in Allenby Gardens. Supplied
How one of the Max Pritchard and Land Australia collaboration homes might look inside. Supplied
Mr Pritchard designed the collection shortly after he designed the rebuild of Kangaroo Island’s world famous Southern Ocean Lodge, with Mr Pritchard saying the homes would continue to reflect the connection to nature his work was known for.
The Riverview Collection continues his focus on landscape and connection to nature.
“What’s special about these homes is the opportunity to build overlooking Linear Park,” Mr Pritchard said.
Architect Max Pritchard at KI. Picture: supplied
Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island, which was been named Resort of the Year by Gourmet Traveller, after it was redesigned and rebuilt following devastating bushfires. Picture: Supplied
I mean, it’s not hard to see why … Picture: Supplied
How’s that for a bathroom view? Picture: Supplied
“We’ve created a range of options, including homes that flip traditional design by putting the main living area on the upper level to take full advantage of river views.
“Each design features two to three separate living areas and three to four bedrooms while maintaining movement and an open, spacious feel throughout.
“It’s quite unique to have an integrated development like Riverside where everything has been designed with respect to its surroundings and so close to the city and river.
“Hickinbotham shares my commitment to timeless, quality design and I’m pleased with what we’ve created together.”
The Hickinbotham Group’s Michael Hickinbotham. Supplied
Hickinbotham Group Managing Director Michael Hickinbotham said he was thrilled to partner with Mr Pritchard to deliver Riverside’s final stage.
“The Pritchard name is synonymous with prestige, luxury and style, aligning with Hickinbotham’s purpose to improve lives by building quality homes and communities,” Mr Hickinbotham said.
“Max has concentrated on light and the relationship between inside and out, and these designs have the X-factor. Each home has been thoughtfully planned to the finest detail.”
Concept art of the Max Pritchard and Land Australia collaboration homes at Riverside in Allenby Gardens. Supplied
Another of the options available. Supplied
Buyers will have a range of choices regarding layout and finishes. Supplied
The homes have been designed to offer water views. Supplied
He said buyers had been attracted to the $58m development’s village feel, gated security, proximity to Linear Park, and nearby amenities.
“We are proud of what we have created at Riverside and look forward to welcoming new families as we near its completion,” Mr Hickinbotham said.
https://www.juliankent.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/logo.png00JKentshttps://www.juliankent.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/logo.pngJKents2025-09-23 12:00:072025-09-23 12:00:07Southern Ocean Lodge link to Adelaide development revealed
RBA Governor Michele Bullock. Picture: Martin Ollman
The RBA have slashed the cash rate three times this year, saving average borrowers more than $3000 a year, but not everyone is happy, a new report has revealed.
The research, carried out by Finder revealed there are a staggering number of Aussies who claim the rate cuts have actually made them worse off.
In the survey of 1004 Australians, people were asked what impact the last three rate cuts had had on their financial situation.
Almost one in five (19 per cent) said the last three rate cuts have actually worsened their financial situation.
That’s up to a whopping 4.1 million people nationwide who don’t think they’ve benefited from the rate cuts.
And with the central bank set to meet again next week, there’s a slim chance things could get worse again.
A similar amount (20 per cent) – 4.3 million people – say interest rate reductions have improved their financial situation.
A further 61 per cent say the rate easing has had no major impact on their situation at all.
le many celebrated the Reserve Bank’s interest rate cuts, not everyone is better off, with millions claiming their financial situation has worsened, according to new research by Finder.
Borrowers celebrated their big win, with 33 per cent benefiting from reduced mortgage repayments, increased borrowing capacity (16 per cent), and the ability to pay off their mortgage quicker (14 per cent).
Savers got the short end of the stick, with 40 per cent saying their nest eggs are worse off due to lower interest rates.
Richard Whitten, home loans expert at Finder, said not everyone sees interest rate cuts as a win.
“For millions of Australians, the recent rate cuts have been a long awaited moment of relief,” he said. “Many homeowners are finally breathing easier after a period of rising costs and financial pressure.
“But for a significant portion of the population, their savings returns have taken a hit and are growing at a much slower rate.”
Whitten said for those looking to get into the property market, a rate cut is a significant boost.
“Rate cuts directly increase borrowing capacity, which can be the difference between getting a foot in the door or being priced out.
“Lower repayments also mean more peace of mind, meaning first home buyers can enter the market with more confidence.”
https://www.juliankent.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/logo.png00JKentshttps://www.juliankent.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/logo.pngJKents2025-09-23 12:00:072025-09-23 12:00:07Millions of Aussies worse off financially after rate cuts
Rachael Finch, Michael Miziner with children Violet and Dominic have listed their inner-Sydney penthouse for auction.
Former Miss Universe Australia Rachael Finch and her husband Michael Miziner, who met on Dancing with the Stars, have listed their stunning penthouse for sale.
The dual-level apartment, which sits on the top two floors of Diversity at 1008/9 Archibald Ave, Waterloo is listed with a $3.3m guide for an October 18 auction.
It offers nearly 250 sqm of living space, with multiple living zones and three bedrooms, three bathrooms and double parking.
“We have enjoyed living here so much,” the couple said.
“The privacy is unmatched — we don’t share any common walls, which makes it feel like our own sanctuary in the sky.”
They’ve also loved the double-height glass walls, views and resort-style facilities downstairs, but are now looking for a family home with their young children, Violet and Dominic.
“With our children getting older, we’re now looking for a house that better suits our next chapter,” they said.
Records show the couple have lived there for more than a decade, having bought off-the-plan in 2014 for $1.65m.
Finch, who was Miss Universe Australia in 2009, was Miziner’s partner in the hit TV show Dancing with the Stars the following year, with him previously being partner to the original winner, Bec Cartwright.
They scored well but were eliminated in August of that year, going on to get married in 2013.
The couple met on Dancing with the Stars in 2010.
There are three bedrooms and three bathrooms.
Finch was the weather presenter on Channel 7’s Sunrise and also a reporter, but these days she and Miziner are the face behind the successful health and beauty brand Kissed Earth.
Listing agent Darren Davis of BresicWhitney expects the penthouse to be popular.
“This is a special home with house-like proportions in a great location,” he said.
“Its wide views, sense of privacy and oversized living areas both indoors and outdoors, are features we expect buyers to take particular interest in.
Rachael Finch finished fourth at the 2009 Miss Universe pageant.
“The proximity to Green Square train station and wider evolution of Waterloo as an area are also positives and will widen the appeal of the home.”
Comparable sales include the Waterfall by Crown penthouse nearby, which sold for close to $3.8m, and the Casba penthouse in Danks St, which fetched $3.2m.
https://www.juliankent.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/logo.png00JKentshttps://www.juliankent.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/logo.pngJKents2025-09-23 12:00:072025-09-23 12:00:07Rachael Finch and Michael Miziner list $3.3m Waterloo penthouse
The Tarneit family home was snapped up before auction in a knockout pre-auction deal.
A Tarneit family home has been snapped up in a knockout pre-auction deal, selling for $770,000 just an hour before it was set to go under the hammer.
The four-bedroom, two-bathroom property at 11 Respect Way was due to be auctioned on Saturday but was secured early by a buyer with an unconditional offer.
Compton Green Inner West agent Gerard Hannan said while interest had been strong, many buyers were subject to finance and unable to bid at auction.
“Then one buyer came in, completely unconditional — no finance clause, no hesitation,” he said.
“We’d had other offers on the table, but this one ticked every box and the vendors decided to secure it.”
It reflects a growing Melbourne trend, with homes increasingly being sold before auction as buyers scramble to outmanoeuvre the competition.
“Across Melbourne, homes are being snapped up before auction. In some cases they’re selling $200,000 above the quoted range,” Mr Hannan said.
“Buyers can see the writing on the wall: demand is hot, and competition is fierce.”
Stone-topped kitchen with open-plan dining set the scene for family living.
Sleek bathroom with full bath and floor-to-ceiling tiles.
The 312sq m property offered multiple living zones, a stone-topped kitchen, covered alfresco with cafe blinds and landscaped gardens. Mr Hannan said the home stood out from the pack.
“From the street it looks similar to other homes, but once you step inside, you can tell the difference,” he said.
“This wasn’t a stock-standard build or an investor’s rental — the owners designed and built it as their dream home.”
A second lounge created a private escape from the busy family hub.
Stainless steel appliances and custom cabinetry added a premium finish.
For the vendors, he said the result was “bittersweet”.
“They were thrilled not just with the result, but relieved they didn’t have to face another week of open homes and the tension of auction day. On the other hand, this was their dream home, full of memories, so there’s emotion there.”
With Melbourne’s auction market heating up before the AFL Grand Final weekend pause, and a new first-homebuyer scheme starting October 1, Mr Hannan said urgency among buyers was clear.
“They know what they can buy today will cost more in a few months’ time,” he said.
“We’re already seeing more confident buyers with bigger budgets.”
Multiple living zones gave buyers flexible space to work, relax or entertain.
A ready-made space for working or studying from home.
Covered outdoor entertaining with cafe blinds extended the living all year round.
Living zones gave families room to move, with multiple areas to relax, entertain or create a private retreat.
Sign up to the Herald Sun Weekly Real Estate Update. Click here to get the latest Victorian property market news delivered direct to your inbox.
https://www.juliankent.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/logo.png00JKentshttps://www.juliankent.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/logo.pngJKents2025-09-23 12:00:072025-09-23 12:00:07Pre-auction deal secures $770k Tarneit family home
Homeowners in these affordable suburbs have doubled their money in 10 years by capitalising on major trends defining the property market.
Analysis of PropTrack home price data shows there are 77 suburbs across Australia where homes typically cost less than $500,000 a decade ago, but it now takes at least $1 million to buy in.
These suburbs have had a huge run of growth in the past 10 years, with values booming off the back of key trends driving home price growth across what were once some of the most affordable suburbs in the nation.
A decade-long surge in demand has transformed these suburbs into million-dollar markets, with prices in some areas more than tripling in that time.
The data examines suburbs that had a median house or unit price of less than $500,000 in the 12 months to August 2015, but now have a median price of more than $1 million.
Of the 77 Australian suburbs that fit this description, 48 were found in Queensland, one of the nation’s strongest housing markets in recent years.
Suburbs of the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast dominated the list, which was mostly made up of suburbs outside the capitals.
The median unit price in Coolangatta rose from $450,000 in 2015 to $1,050,000 in 2025 – a 133% increase. Picture: Getty
REA Group senior economist Eleanor Creagh said the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast have been some of the top performing regions in recent years.
“These regions benefited from strong population inflows, from both interstate migration and international arrivals,” she said.
“Limited new supply in many coastal suburbs has constrained availability of housing, leading to demand well outpacing the supply of homes for sale.”
Ms Creagh said the affordability of these regions relative to the pricier capitals of Sydney and Melbourne had drawn buyers north, compounded by the flight towards lifestyle-oriented locations throughout the pandemic.
“Together, these forces have transformed once-affordable suburbs into million-dollar markets, with demand driven both by the lifestyle benefits these areas offer and by their investment appeal.”
The median house price in Mount Coolum on the Sunshine Coast was $490,000 a decade ago – today it’s $1.33 million. Picture: realestate.com.au/sold
Real estate agent and PRD Coolangatta Tweed principal Jason Abbott said while the pandemic boom drove most of the price uplift in the region, demand for units from a range of buyers was supporting further growth.
“The area is still affordable compared to some other parts of the Gold coast,” he said. “It still suits first-home buyers, investors and downsizers.”
The median unit price in Coolangatta rose from $450,000 in 2015 to $1,050,000 today.
“Stock is still tight, and demand is pretty strong,” Mr Abbott said.
There were 19 once-affordable suburbs of Brisbane that are now million-dollar postcodes, including Hemmant and Tingalpa in the east, Coopers Plains in the south and Geebung and Scarborough in the north.
NSW had 18 suburbs where prices boomed from sub-$500,000 to $1 million-plus in a decade.
But only one Sydney suburb fits this description — Oakdale, on the outer south western fringe.
Sydney’s high property prices mean that even a decade ago, there were few suburbs with median prices below $500,000, and these were mostly on the Central Coast or in the outer west.
While prices in many of these more-affordable suburbs have grown strongly, values are yet to crack the $1 million mark.
Instead, it was mostly affordable coastal suburbs prized for proximity to the beach where prices surged the most in the past decade, reflecting similar trends seen in Queensland.
A decade ago, a typical house in Mollymook Beach cost about $437,000. The median price is now almost three times that figure. Picture: realestate.com.au/sold
Ms Creagh said affordability had already drawn buyers to these regions before the pandemic, but remote work trends accelerated population shifts towards regional areas, and helped push up prices as a result.
“The pandemic compressed several years of treechange demand into a very short period, pushing many of these markets over the million-dollar threshold sooner than would otherwise have occurred,” she said.
Real estate agent Kate Wise of Ray White Ulladulla said although buying in suburbs such as Narrawallee and Mollymook Beach had cooled a little since the pandemic boom, the region was still attracting lots of city buyers.
“Most of our buyers come from Sydney, Wollongong and Canberra,” she said. “A lot of people are selling up and getting really good prices, and are able to purchase down here for a slower lifestyle with some money left over.”
Seven suburbs in the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie region jumped from affordable pockets to million-dollar markets, reflecting the changing face of the port city.
House prices rose 124% in the past decade in Warners Bay on Lake Macquarie near Newcastle. Picture: realestate.com.au/sold
“Newcastle has transitioned from an industrial base to a diversified economy anchored in health, education, and professional services, making it more resilient and attractive for families,” Ms Creagh said.
Only two Victorian suburbs, Bright and Bittern, jumped from below $500,000 to above $1 million in a decade.
Bright, in the Victorian High Country, was one of just two Victorian suburbs where the median house price rose from below $500,000 to above $1 million in 10 years. Picture: Getty
Much like Sydney, most of the Melbourne suburbs with sub-$500,000 price points 10 years ago are yet to break the $1 million barrier, with stronger growth in regional Victoria than in the city.
While Perth’s property market has been one of the nation’s strongest in recent years, with particularly high demand at the affordable end of the market, there were no suburbs in Western Australia where prices grew from below $500,000 in 2015 to above $1 million today.
Ms Creagh said this was partly due to values in Perth declining off a cyclical peak for most of the past decade before the recent boom.
“In WA, the state’s housing market was coming off the back of a mining boom peak in 2014, with subdued conditions for much of the decade as prices stagnated,” she said.
“The recent surge in Perth has been significant, with five-year gains above 90%, but it has lifted suburbs from low bases into the $600k–$900k range rather than past the $1 million threshold.”
Suburbs where house prices rose from sub-$500k to $1 million-plus
Suburb
State
Region
Median sale price – 2025
Median sale price – 2015
Change
Callala Beach
NSW
Southern Highlands and Shoalhaven
$1,300,000
$451,750
188%
Narrawallee
NSW
Southern Highlands and Shoalhaven
$1,195,000
$425,000
181%
Mollymook Beach
NSW
Southern Highlands and Shoalhaven
$1,180,000
$437,500
170%
Mayfield East
NSW
Newcastle and Lake Macquarie
$1,093,500
$415,000
163%
Tweed Heads South
NSW
Richmond – Tweed
$1,032,500
$397,500
160%
Lorn
NSW
Hunter Valley exc Newcastle
$1,107,500
$439,000
152%
Tweed Heads West
NSW
Richmond – Tweed
$1,032,250
$410,000
152%
Boolaroo
NSW
Newcastle and Lake Macquarie
$1,000,000
$400,000
150%
Swansea
NSW
Newcastle and Lake Macquarie
$1,045,000
$425,000
146%
Banora Point
NSW
Richmond – Tweed
$1,200,000
$489,500
145%
Bilambil Heights
NSW
Richmond – Tweed
$1,120,000
$460,000
143%
Oakdale
NSW
Sydney – Outer South West
$1,080,712
$457,500
136%
Bonville
NSW
Coffs Harbour – Grafton
$1,138,500
$492,000
131%
Nelson Bay
NSW
Hunter Valley exc Newcastle
$1,040,000
$465,000
124%
Warners Bay
NSW
Newcastle and Lake Macquarie
$1,085,000
$485,000
124%
Shoalhaven Heads
NSW
Southern Highlands and Shoalhaven
$1,060,000
$475,000
123%
Anna Bay
NSW
Hunter Valley exc Newcastle
$1,012,500
$460,000
120%
Tugun
QLD
Gold Coast
$1,366,000
$485,000
182%
Mount Coolum
QLD
Sunshine Coast
$1,327,500
$490,000
171%
Jacobs Well
QLD
Gold Coast
$1,174,000
$445,000
164%
Pomona
QLD
Sunshine Coast
$1,100,000
$418,000
163%
Labrador
QLD
Gold Coast
$1,175,000
$450,000
161%
Dayboro
QLD
Moreton Bay – South
$1,237,500
$482,500
156%
Highland Park
QLD
Gold Coast
$1,100,000
$437,000
152%
Golden Beach
QLD
Sunshine Coast
$1,185,000
$475,000
149%
Banyo
QLD
Brisbane – North
$1,100,550
$443,500
148%
Battery Hill
QLD
Sunshine Coast
$1,072,500
$438,500
145%
Carrara
QLD
Gold Coast
$1,200,000
$492,000
144%
Tewantin
QLD
Sunshine Coast
$1,130,000
$465,000
143%
Coopers Plains
QLD
Brisbane – South
$1,210,000
$500,000
142%
Bellbowrie
QLD
Brisbane – West
$1,205,000
$500,000
141%
Tingalpa
QLD
Brisbane – East
$1,100,000
$458,000
140%
Brighton
QLD
Brisbane – North
$1,072,500
$450,000
138%
Hemmant
QLD
Brisbane – East
$1,027,500
$431,000
138%
Oxenford
QLD
Gold Coast
$1,100,000
$461,500
138%
Karalee
QLD
Ipswich
$1,180,000
$499,000
136%
Scarborough
QLD
Moreton Bay – North
$1,110,000
$472,500
135%
Bli Bli
QLD
Sunshine Coast
$1,050,000
$450,000
133%
Cooroy
QLD
Sunshine Coast
$1,060,000
$455,000
133%
Jimboomba
QLD
Logan – Beaudesert
$1,025,000
$439,000
133%
Southport
QLD
Gold Coast
$1,150,000
$495,000
132%
Geebung
QLD
Brisbane – North
$1,077,500
$468,650
130%
Mooloolah Valley
QLD
Sunshine Coast
$1,036,000
$450,000
130%
Woombye
QLD
Sunshine Coast
$1,000,000
$435,000
130%
Aroona
QLD
Sunshine Coast
$1,050,000
$459,000
129%
Daisy Hill
QLD
Logan – Beaudesert
$1,025,000
$450,000
128%
Tamborine Mountain
QLD
Gold Coast
$1,047,500
$458,500
128%
Wynnum West
QLD
Brisbane – East
$1,080,000
$474,000
128%
Merrimac
QLD
Gold Coast
$1,060,000
$470,000
126%
Pacific Pines
QLD
Gold Coast
$1,061,000
$470,500
126%
Palmwoods
QLD
Sunshine Coast
$1,050,000
$463,750
126%
Logan Village
QLD
Logan – Beaudesert
$1,100,000
$495,500
122%
Mount Cotton
QLD
Brisbane – East
$1,025,000
$480,000
114%
Victoria Point
QLD
Brisbane – East
$1,029,000
$490,000
110%
Ferny Hills
QLD
Moreton Bay – South
$1,012,500
$485,000
109%
Arana Hills
QLD
Moreton Bay – South
$1,035,000
$500,000
107%
Murrumba Downs
QLD
Moreton Bay – South
$1,004,000
$490,000
105%
Marden
SA
Adelaide – Central and Hills
$1,355,000
$485,068
179%
Semaphore
SA
Adelaide – West
$1,185,000
$463,100
156%
Seacliff Park
SA
Adelaide – South
$1,160,000
$480,000
142%
Warradale
SA
Adelaide – South
$1,095,000
$495,000
121%
Hawthorndene
SA
Adelaide – South
$1,000,000
$456,000
119%
Blackwood
SA
Adelaide – South
$1,067,500
$500,000
114%
Plympton Park
SA
Adelaide – South
$1,000,000
$467,500
114%
Bellevue Heights
SA
Adelaide – South
$1,002,500
$480,000
109%
Broadview
SA
Adelaide – North
$1,022,543
$496,000
106%
Bright
VIC
Hume
$1,112,500
$390,000
185%
Bittern
VIC
Mornington Peninsula
$1,110,000
$456,000
143%
Source: PropTrack. Only includes suburbs with median house prices below $500,000 in the 12 months to August 2015, and a median house price above $1,000,000 in the 12 months to August 2025. Excludes with fewer than 30 sales in the past 12 months.
Suburbs where unit prices rose from sub-$500k to $1 million-plus
Suburb
State
Region
Median sale price – 2025
Median sale price – 2015
10-year change
Casuarina
NSW
Richmond – Tweed
$1,112,500
$305,000
265%
Palm Beach
QLD
Gold Coast
$1,110,000
$345,000
222%
Bilinga
QLD
Gold Coast
$1,375,000
$448,750
206%
Miami
QLD
Gold Coast
$1,085,000
$377,000
188%
Noosaville
QLD
Sunshine Coast
$1,100,000
$405,000
172%
Burleigh Heads
QLD
Gold Coast
$1,070,000
$419,500
155%
Coolangatta
QLD
Gold Coast
$1,050,000
$450,000
133%
Broadbeach
QLD
Gold Coast
$1,055,000
$465,000
127%
Pelican Waters
QLD
Sunshine Coast
$1,000,000
$488,125
105%
Source: PropTrack. Only includes suburbs with median unit prices below $500,000 in the 12 months to August 2015, and a median unit price above $1,000,000 in the 12 months to August 2025. Excludes with fewer than 30 sales in the past 12 months.
https://www.juliankent.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/logo.png00JKentshttps://www.juliankent.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/logo.pngJKents2025-09-23 12:00:072025-09-23 12:00:07From $500k to $1 million: 77 cheap suburbs where prices doubled in a decade
In a city where parking is a precious commodity and luxury apartments command eye-watering prices, a seemingly trivial dispute has exploded into a full-blown strata war.
At the heart of the storm? A Sydney apartment owner, her toddler’s ride-on car, and a rigid strata committee in one of Bondi Junction’s most exclusive addresses.
This isn’t just about a toy; it’s a potent symbol of the escalating tensions between individual freedoms, community rules, and the ever-shrinking spaces of high-density urban life.
Elizabeth Huang, who – according to the Daily Mail – invested a staggering $2.5m in her three-bedroom, three-bathroom apartment at the opulent Whitton Lane complex, is now locked in a fierce battle with her building’s management.
Her alleged transgression? Parking her child’s compact yellow ride-on vehicle in a motorcycle bay within the underground car park.
A family living in a luxury apartment complex in Bondi Junction are petitioning to be allowed to park their child’s ride on convertible (pictured) in the underground car park. Source: Change.org.
The 14-storey development, consists of 122 units and includes rooftop gardens with panoramic city and harbour views.
In a Change.org petition, Ms Huang argues that the pint-sized vehicle, which she claims occupies a currently unused motorcycle space, is a “safe recreational vehicle” and poses no inconvenience to other residents.
“We are a young family…(and) our child has a small yellow ride-on car, which is compact and takes up no more room than a scooter or motorbike,” the petition states.
“We have been asked to remove it from the motorcycle parking area on B3, even though these spaces are mostly unused.
“This petition is about asking the strata committee to consider a practical, family-friendly approach.
The toy car in the motorcycle parking area on B3.
“The ride-on car is not bulky storage or clutter – it’s a safe recreational vehicle for our child, similar in nature to the motorcycles the spaces are designed for.
“Allowing it to be parked neatly in a motorcycle space will not inconvenience other residents. Instead, it helps make our building more inclusive for families with children, while maintaining order and safety in the common areas.”
The family home to convince their local strata committee to park the toy car permanently.
With the next strata committee meeting slated for October 15, Ms Huang is urging fellow residents to sign her petition, hoping to sway the committee towards a more empathetic stance. But will community spirit prevail over the letter of the law?
The unyielding hand of strata law: A legal minefield
The complexities of strata law, however, paint a different picture.
Premium Strata chief executive Leanne Habib, a leading authority in the field, told the Daily Mail that stringent regulations governed apartment complexes.
Development Applications (DAs) meticulously dictate the allocation of parking spaces, and overturning these conditions is no simple feat.
“I can’t see how a strata committee or an owners corporation has any power to overturn the conditions of the DA without getting a modification or an amendment made and approved by council,” she said.
“I understand that it’s only a toy, and I agree it’s not taking any more space than a motorbike, but council is all about ensuring that there’s enough spaces to accommodate these motorbikes and cars so they don’t have issues of congestion out on the street.
The Whitton Lane apartment complex
“And someone can very easily argue, well if it’s that tiny, why isn’t it in your carport?”
This localised Bondi drama unfolds against a national backdrop of escalating parking values. A recent study by Australian-owned furniture retailer Luxo Living revealed a staggering trend: homeowners are now paying an average of $156,000 more for properties with dedicated parking.
Garages and driveways have transcended mere convenience to become some of the most coveted and valuable real estate features in the market.
The research, which meticulously analysed property sales across Australia’s most populous suburbs over the past two years, unequivocally demonstrated the immense premium buyers are willing to pay for the luxury of private parking.
Winston Tu, Founder and CEO of LuxoLiving.com.au, commented on the findings, stating: “As suburban areas become denser, this study shows that dedicated parking is becoming more scarce for everyday people. The findings reflect that what was once considered a standard feature of a home is now being treated as an additional upgrade, driving up the price of property in an already competitive market.”
The Bondi toy car saga, therefore, is far more than a neighbourhood squabble.
It’s a poignant reflection of Australia’s evolving property landscape, where the battle for space, the interpretation of rules, and the quest for a family-friendly existence in increasingly dense urban environments are constantly clashing.
Reality TV star Ryan Gallagher has bought a Brisbane unit just months after splitting with Olympic champion, Emily Seebohm.
Married At First Sight star Ryan Gallagher has moved on from his split with Olympic swimmer fiancée Emily Seebohm and purchased an investment property in a prime Brisbane suburb.
The former MAFS, I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here, and The Challenge Australia contestant has paid $500,000 for a two-bedroom unit in one of Clayfield’s most exclusive streets.
Ryan Gallagher and Emily Seebohm ended their engagement earlier this year.
Ryan Gallagher with his son, Sampson. Image: Instagram.
“I’ve already had it valued at $180,000 more than what I bought it for,” he said.
The median unit price in Clayfield is $710,000, having grown almost 20 per cent in the past 12 months, according to PropTrack.
The 36-year-old is currently renting in Ascot and has been keeping a close eye on the South East Queensland property market — seeing the potential in the lead up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Ryan Gallagher, pictured on his farm near Goulburn. Picture: Jonathan Ng.
Inside the Clayfield unit, which Ryan Gallagher plans to renovate. Image supplied.
In between hosting and comedy gigs, Ryan has been preparing to star in another reality television series, but he was tight-lipped about the details on Sunday — “I can’t say”.
He made an appearance to support friends, Mike Goldman and Bianca Zouppas, who were launching their new production studio in the Brisbane suburb of Coorparoo.
Emily Seebohm and Ryan Gallagher, with their son, Sampson, during a photo shoot for Stellar Magazine. Photo: Daniel Nadel.
Ryan said it had been seven months since his split with Emily Seebohm, with whom he shares a two-year-old son, Sampson.
The pair, who became engaged in December 2022, met while filming The Challenge Australia.
Ryan proposed to Emily at a dam on his parent’s farm just outside of Goulburn in NSW, where he grew up.
Records show Emily still owns a four-bedroom house in Hendra, which she paid $1.375m for eight years ago.
https://www.juliankent.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/logo.png00JKentshttps://www.juliankent.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/logo.pngJKents2025-09-23 12:00:072025-09-23 12:00:07MAFS star turns to property after Seebohm split
Planning changes in Canberra’s north could add up to 1000 homes along a key light rail zone.
The ACT government has introduced draft planning reforms aimed at enabling new housing along transit corridors in Downer and Watson.
The Draft Major Plan Amendment (DPA09) Northern Gateway reform proposes rezoning sites close to Northbourne Avenue and the Federal Highway to allow for more medium-density housing.
The draft reform proposes to rezone areas directly next to light rail stops in Canberra’s north. Picture: Getty
According to the government, these areas within Downer and Watson were identified as key locations for growth in the Inner North and City District Strategy. If passed, the reform could enable up to 1000 new homes along the busy corridor.
As part of the reform, new maximum allowable building heights are being proposed. Areas being rezoned to RZ4 would be limited to three storeys, with the exception of blocks in Downer close to Northbourne Avenue and south of the Barton Highway, which would be limited to five storeys.
Areas being rezoned to RZ3 in Watson would have the maximum allowable height reduced to 8.5 metres – the existing two-storey limit.
“Transit oriented development is a key part of the government’s planning reforms to enable 30,000 new homes by 2030,” ACT minister for planning and sustainable development Chris Steel said.
“We’ve already seen investment in light rail being a strong catalyst for new housing being built along the southern end of Northbourne Avenue.
“These zoning changes will enable up to an additional 1000 well-located homes to be built in the northern end of the corridor, directly next to existing light rail stops at Swinden Street and Phillip Avenue.”
The Property Council of Australia called the proposal an “important step” in delivering more homes in well-connected locations.
The reform could enable up to 1000 new homes in Downer and Watson. Picture: Getty
“The Northern Gateway draft amendment shows what can be achieved when the planning system aligns housing supply with infrastructure and transport. With light rail stops at Swinden Street and Phillip Avenue, this uplift is a textbook example of compact, transit-oriented growth,” Property Council ACT executive director Ashlee Berry said.
“Our members have consistently called for more diverse housing options near jobs, transport and services. This proposal provides exactly that – opportunities for townhouses, terraces and apartments that meet demand at different price points and support population growth to 2050.”
The territory government also plans to progress separate planning changes within the Northern Gateway area, in the Thoroughbred Park precinct.
This precinct was also identified as a change area in the Inner North and City District Strategy. The Territory Planning Authority is preparing a separate draft plan amendment for the whole precinct, expected to be released for consultation later in 2025.
Community feedback on DPA09 is now open until November 2025 through the ACT’s planning website.
Are you interested in learning more about buying and building new? Visit our dedicated New Homes section.
https://www.juliankent.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/logo.png00JKentshttps://www.juliankent.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/logo.pngJKents2025-09-23 12:00:072025-09-23 12:00:07The Canberra suburbs set to build higher under proposed rezoning
We may request cookies to be set on your device. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website.
Click on the different category headings to find out more. You can also change some of your preferences. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer.
Essential Website Cookies
These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features.
Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refusing them will have impact how our site functions. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site.
We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain.
We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. You can check these in your browser security settings.
Other external services
We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Changes will take effect once you reload the page.
Google Webfont Settings:
Google Map Settings:
Google reCaptcha Settings:
Vimeo and Youtube video embeds:
Privacy Policy
You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page.
JKDS is a licensed New York State real estate brokerage firm. #10351200205