The South Yarra home of late businessman and philanthropist Tony Nicholas has hit the market with a price guide of $11m-$12m.

Nicholas was the grandson of Alfred Nicholas, co-founder of Aspro-Nicholas, the Melbourne firm that turned a wartime aspirin shortage into a global success story.

The family’s legacy still lives on through landmarks such as Burnham Beeches and the Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens in the Dandenongs.

His long-held residence at 11 Coolullah Ave, was designed by architect Geoffrey Somers and channels a grand French Normandy style, complete with twin turrets and manicured gardens.

MORE: Vic half-price heaven with million-dollar views

Landmark hotel made famous on TV for sale

$80k homes built in 40 days to change Australia

Set on a sprawling 1432sq m property, it was the first house built in the prestigious avenue and remains one of its largest.

Nicholas and wife Christina bought the property in 1967, later adding the neighbouring lot to create a private garden retreat with a pool and mature trees.

Christina once described the home as “a fairytale castle”, a sanctuary where they raised their three daughters over six decades.

Kay & Burton’s Peter Kudelka, who is marketing the property with Ada Taylor, said the estate carried extraordinary provenance and timeless character.

“This is more than a home; it’s a testament to the Nicholas family’s legacy of innovation and generosity,” Mr Kudelka said.

Beyond business, Tony Nicholas devoted decades to philanthropy, serving more than ten years on the Epworth Hospital board and over 30 years with WWF-Australia, including roles as vice president and governor.

An adjoining property at 41 Oban St, long used as a guest retreat, is also for sale with a $3.95m-$4.05m guide – or can be purchased together as one of South Yarra’s rare dual holdings.

MORE: Interstate buyers clash for Cheltenham prize

Why first home buyers rushed to buy Melb land

$4.95m Melb coastal hideaway set to turn heads

The post South Yarra: Aspro heir’s French-style mansion lists for $11m-plus appeared first on realestate.com.au.

Amid one of the most severe housing crises in U.S. history, Zillow and Housing Connector, a tech-powered nonprofit, are celebrating a milestone in combating homelessness. Together, the organizations have helped 10,000 people find stable homes.

What began in 2019 as a local solution in Seattle has evolved into a national model for unlocking private-market housing for individuals and families facing barriers.

Through the Housing Connector platform — powered by Zillow technology — community-based organizations can quickly match people in need with housing providers offering vacant units and adjusted screening criteria.

“Behind every door unlocked is a team and community that refuses to accept that homelessness is inevitable,” Shkëlqim Kelmendi, founder and CEO of Housing Connector, said in a statement. “This milestone proves that we can re-imagine housing access in America. By transforming how the private market engages with public need, we’ve shown that solving homelessness requires innovation, accountability, and courage to do things differently.

“We’re not just building a platform, we’re building a movement where housing is treated as infrastructure, not crisis response.”

Since its inception, Housing Connector has grown from a single-city effort into a national infrastructure for housing stability, now operating in eight markets across seven states.

The organization plans to reach 15 markets and 30,000 people over the next three years.

“This milestone is a powerful example of what’s possible when we bring the right partners to the table — government, nonprofits, and the private sector — all working toward a shared goal: making housing more accessible for everyone,” said Jennifer Butler, vice president of government and community relations at Zillow.

“At Zillow, we see housing not just as listings and data, but as people, families, and futures. We’re proud to power a solution that meets the urgency of this moment and helps communities thrive.”

Partnership and technology

Housing Connector’s proprietary marketplace, integrated with Zillow’s rental technology, simplifies what was once an overwhelming process for case managers and families in crisis.

The partnership leverages real-time housing data and technology to connect property owners and service providers.

At an average annual cost of $1,000 per household — compared with $40,000 annually for public systems to support an unhoused neighbor — the partnership offers a high-impact, scalable solution, leaders said.

To commemorate this historic milestone, Housing Connector and Zillow were co-hosting an event, “Doors Unlocked: A Toast to 10,000 Stories,” on Thursday in Seattle.

A new report has shone a light on SA’s buyer activity over the past month and, to be honest, it’s pretty interesting.

According to Oliver Hume’s September monthly dashboard, inquiry levels rebounded strongly by 12 per cent last month, suggesting a renewed sense of buyer confidence, while property reservations surged by 100 per cent, indicating this heightened market engagement was translating into more sales commitments.

For Adelaide purchases made in September, 50.9 per cent of them went to owner-occupiers, with investor activity rising to 49.1 per cent, making it almost an even split between the two.

Oliver Hume chief economist Matt Bell said this split was particularly interesting.

This near balance between the two segments marks a significant market shift, with investment demand gaining strong momentum and narrowing the gap with traditional homebuyer activity.

According to the research, first-home buyer activity dropped to 33.3 per cent of all purchases made, with the other two-thirds going to more experienced buyers.

“This ongoing shift underscores the strengthening presence of established buyers in the market, suggesting that affordability pressures or reduced entry-level incentives may be constraining first-time purchaser activity.

Looking at the share of lot sizes on the market in September, the 300sqm to 349sqm, and 450sqm to 499sqm ranges made up the largest availability groups at 25 per cent each – a rise on the previous month from 5.4 per cent for the 300sqm to 349sqm group.

Those from 350sqm to 399sqm were the next largest group at 22.7 per cent – down on the previous month – while those in the 400sqm to 449sqm range made up 11.4 per cent of available stock.

Premium properties – those 700sqm+ – made up 4.5 per cent of all available stock.

“These changes are largely influenced by the composition of stock released, highlighting how product mix continues to shape monthly lot size distributions,” Mr Bell said.

MORE NEWS:

Adelaide home with X-rated feature that’s blowing buyers away

Adelaide homeowner to make $1.5m doing absolutely nothing

$74,500 more than last year – Adelaide home prices surge

How much you need to save to buy in every Australian suburb

Shock $20k hack changing Aussie lives

Looking at the age of buyers, purchases made by those aged from 18-25 made up 33.3 per cent of all commitments, and matching the amount of purchases made by those in the 41 to 45 cohort.

That’s an increase for the young-uns on the previous month, and a drop for the older demographic.

Those in the 26-32 segment made up 6.7 per cent of all sales, while the 56+ age group accounted for 6.7 per cent of all sales.

“This shift indicates a notable resurgence in younger buyer activity, contrasting with the dominance of older demographics in August,” Mr Bell said.

“As with previous months, the small sample size continues to contribute to the volatility in age distribution trends.”

And as for interstate inquiry, well, this chart speaks for itself:

“Interstate interest in September was exclusively driven by Victoria, accounting for 100 per cent of demand,” Mr Bell said.

“This marks a reversal from August’s balanced mix between New South Wales and Victoria, highlighting a concentrated surge in Victorian buyer activity and renewed cross-border interest from that market segment.”

The post Revealed: The dramatic shift in SA’s property market buyers appeared first on realestate.com.au.

Minimalism may be in, but it’s not for everyone. Some of the most popular houses last month were anything but. A Hollywood-style manor, a fairytale castle, an 1850s ‘grog shop’ and a mid-century masterpiece were among the top picks.

Visitors to realestate.com.au have been indulging in nostalgia, with stylish homes hinting at treasured bygone eras among the most viewed listings of September.

For some of these houses, the glory days have faded, leaving behind a glimpse of what once was — and what could be again.

Most of these fabulous finds pop up in regions hugging the capital cities, showing our ongoing obsession with balancing space, lifestyle and convenience.

Of the top 12 most-viewed homes, four were in Victoria, three were in Queensland, three were in South Australia and two were in Western Australia.

Surprisingly, New South Wales, the Northern Territory and the ACT didn’t crack the top 20 at all, with just a single Tasmanian entry making the list.

Take a peek at some of the whimsical dwellings sparking daydreams on realestate.com.au this month.

Yarra Ranges manor ‘almost like Hollywood’

For those craving old-style glamour, 7 Salisbury Street, Upper Ferntree Gully in Victoria is a standout. It was the most-viewed property in September.

This five-bedroom, five-bathroom beauty, known as ‘Mount Royal Manor’, spans three levels and is grand, opulent and — if you’re not a fan of minimalism, you might just fall in love. Think cloverleaf-shaped pool, concrete balustrades and archways, crystal chandeliers and bold carpets.

“We’ve had huge amounts of interest,” said agent Glenn Gardiner at Fletchers Yarra Ranges. “People love it from their first inspection, it’s like the world’s greatest party house. It’s almost like Hollywood.”

Sitting on 9,934sqm, just 45 minutes east of Melbourne, the estate offers spectacular CBD views, sprawling interiors, landscaped gardens with ornate water features plus a groundperson’s bungalow, greenhouse and sauna — all for $3.5m-$3.85m.

“People love the position, the style, the views, the outdoor spaces — and the ornateness and charm,” said Mr Gardiner.

But the idea of actually living with the fairytale can be a different story, he added.

“Helping people imagine living here has been tougher than I expected. Many wonder how they’d manage two and a half acres.”

Originally built in 1923, the house burned down in 1953, was rebuilt in the 1960s, then renovated through the ’80s and ’90s, with minor updates more recently.

Mr Gardiner said the home is attracting large multi-generational families who value both space and style.

They’ll definitely get it.

Hinterland hideaway with ocean views

Wafts of smoke rising from a dark door on a black wall create a mysterious hero image for the listing of 168 North Maleny Road, North Maleny in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, the second-most-viewed property in September.

Agent Allister Millican at Ray White Maleny said the photo perfectly captures the essence of the property and the area.

“It’s all about the green grass, stone, timber … and a little chimney, with an open fire burning away outside.”

Expected to sell for $2.5m-$3m, this refined three-bedroom home resides over 1.94 hectares of lush hinterland with views stretching to the Pacific. There are four fenced paddocks, ideal for horses or livestock, plus two eco-designed tiny homes, ‘The Lily Pad’ and ‘The Ivy Pad’, each sleeping four — perfect for guests or extra income.

The region is booming, with North Maleny’s median property price jumping 29.3% over the last year to $1.81 million. Most interest comes from locals on the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane “who know and love the area”, said Mr Millican.

Fairytale stone castle with turrets

It’s a very particular buyer who will fall in love with 17 Forsythia Drive, Tamborine Mountain near the Gold Coast — perhaps someone who loves Disney-style castles.

This charming and quirky two-bedroom home feels straight out of Beauty and the Beast, with castle-like turrets, curved stone walls, timber beams, leaded windows, even a courtyard fountain.

Built in the 1980s by its current owner, the house was designed to reflect the architecture of his German homeland.

“It definitely suits someone who’s looking for something unique,” said agent Louis Bartle at Bartle Real Estate Tambourine Mountain, who’s been “inundated with enquiries”, despite the property “requiring significant renovation”, he said.

And it’s not just the house that’s dreamy; this miniature palace sits on a leafy, 1,139sqm block that slopes down to Tamborine Mountain’s Botanical Gardens — ideal for an Airbnb standout.

The guide price has not been revealed.

Californian cottage that ‘ticks all the boxes’

This quaint, three-bedroom cottage at 9 Paterson Street, Hawthorn is humbler than others properties in the ‘most-viewed’ list, but it still caused a stir — even at street level.

Over 200 groups viewed this 1920s Californian bungalow before it sold ahead of auction for $1.91m, way above its reserve of $1.65m-$1.7m.

“It was incredible. I haven’t had a campaign like that for a very long time,” said agent Davide Lettieri at Marshall White, Boroondara. “It went far beyond our expectations.”

Mr Lettieri said the inner-city home “ticked all the boxes” for many buyers. It’s freestanding, sits on 400sqm of land (large of the area), and is a period home with a great floorplan in central Hawthorne.

The romantic offering boasts a tiled verandah, Baltic pine flooring, detailed ceilings, leadlight windows and a fireplace.

But while “very livable”, it does need an update, which put off some buyers, he said.

“It definitely wasn’t for everyone based on its condition.”

1850s ‘grog house’

For those who love the idea of living in a place filled with happy memories, 64B Old Mount Barker Road in the Adelaide HIlls town of Stirling could just be that.

The 1850s stone cottage was once a grog house, but while it’s since been restored, extended and gained respectability, it hasn’t lost any of its charm.

Agent Ben Clarke at Williams Real Estate said the property’s uniqueness “had huge appeal”.

“People who came through and liked it absolutely fell in love. It’s very cute and quaint, offering something a little different that you don’t see every day up here.”

Crafted from locally quarried stone and timbers, the home was renovated a few years ago and still looks immaculate, said Mr Clarke.

“The original cottage forms the kitchen and living area, but the extension maintains that same stone look and feel. The glass atrium living and dining area captures sunlight and warmth, which is important in the Hills, while the 100-year-old oak tree out front provides plenty of shade in winter.”

The property sold for around $2.2m.

Functional, mid-century masterpiece

This six-bedroom, three-bathroom home at 21 Taylor Road, Kalamunda, about half an hour east of Perth, was designed in the 1970s by Krantz and Sheldon — architects famous for their functional creations that were originally criticised as ugly.

But over time, their designs have become revered, even adored.

“Mid-century modern is definitely back,” said agent Jessica Morrow at The Agency. “This home has a 70s kitchen and an 80s bathroom, but everyone seemed happy the owners didn’t update them. The house is still in great condition.”

Ms Morrow said the buyers loved the “massive” room sizes, split-level design, parquetry floors and the views to the Perth CBD from the elevated, 4,725sqm block.

More than 500 people came through the property before it sold for $2.12m by private sale.

The post Australia’s hottest properties: Buyers chase whimsical homes and old-style glamour appeared first on realestate.com.au.

It’s an image many of us have of homelessness: people sleeping rough on a park bench or in a doorway.  

But this perception only captures a minority of people experiencing homelessness. 

According to the latest data, it represents a mere 6% of the 122,000 Australians experiencing homelessness on any given night.  

The vast majority live in cars, couch surf, or move between temporary accommodation with no guarantee of security. 

For Ant Bray, the managing director of property marketing company, Tomorrow Agency, this confronting statistic was a powerful call to action. 

“About six weeks ago, our whole company came together for a session on giving back,” he said. 

“There was a strong feeling that we wanted to do more as a business. While several causes were considered, homelessness really resonated with us because of its direct connection to what we do as a property advertising agency.  

“When the opportunity came up to be involved in A Home for All, it immediately felt like the right fit.”  

A Home for All Foundation aims to raise funds and awareness for homelessness in Australia, uniting the property industry and other sectors to tackle this hidden challenge.  

“Our business is built on helping developers create communities and put roofs over people’s heads,” Mr Bray said.  

“A Home for All aligns perfectly with that purpose. The connection between what we do professionally and what this foundation stands for made it feel like a natural partnership. 

“The property industry already has a strong history of supporting charitable initiatives. But given its size and influence, the impact we can make collectively is enormous.” 

The centrepiece of this collaboration is the inaugural campaign, A Night Without Home, taking place this month.  

For Mr Bray and the Tomorrow Agency team, the event is more than just a fundraiser. 

“We will be hosting a sleepover at our Cremorne office, with a goal of at least half our team taking part,” Mr Bray said. 

“Each person has been encouraged not only to raise funds through their networks, but also to start conversations.” 

The initiative has been designed to highlight the hidden nature of the problem, a concept that had a profound impact on the managing director personally.  

“The most surprising, and confronting, statistic for me was that 94% of people experiencing homelessness aren’t on the streets, but are instead in cars, on couches, or in other unsecured living situations,” he said.  

“Like many, I had assumed homelessness was more visible. This really opened my eyes to how hidden the issue is, and I think that’s one of the most misunderstood aspects.” 

By participating in the sleepover, the team will get a small glimpse into the reality faced by so many Australians.  

“For us, this event isn’t just about fundraising, it’s about raising awareness that homelessness isn’t only what we see on the streets, but often what we don’t see,” Mr Bray said.  

“The biggest message I’d like people to walk away with is just how invisible homelessness really is”. 

Looking beyond this specific event, Mr Bray saw this partnership as part of a broader commitment that fitted with the agency’s existing charitable endeavours: children in need, domestic violence, the environment and homelessness.  

“Supporting causes like this isn’t just about being a good citizen,” he said.  

“It’s about showing leadership in our industry. On a personal note, I also hope that my own children see the work we’re doing and are inspired to make giving back part of their lives too. 

“By coming together, we can amplify awareness, change perceptions, and help drive meaningful outcomes for people experiencing homelessness.”  

The post ‘Opened my eyes’: How a night without home comforts is changing minds appeared first on realestate.com.au.