A country estate in Melbourne’s outer south east featuring a massive man cave and horse showjumping arena is ready for a new owner to take the reins.

The 9.11ha property at 194-204 King Rd, Harkaway, is for sale with a $13.5m-$14.5m range.

Set among exotic trees and landscaped gardens, the address offers extensive equestrian facilities such as the 50m by 30m jumping arena, stables and paddocks.

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Harkaway: House with man cave featuring partial rock wall and a secret entrance

The five-bedroom house is also an entertainers’ dream thanks to its four bathrooms, resort-style swimming pool, outdoor terrace, floodlit tennis court and in-ground trampoline.

The man cave, decorated with horse saddles and sporting memorabilia, includes a bar, golfing simulator and sound system, and is located in one of the multiple sheds.

First National Real Estate Neilson Partners’ Peter Watson and Marshall White’s Ben Vieth have the listing.

Mr Watson said although the owners had purchased the house just three years ago they were selling with plans to travel internationally.

The home’s original owners bought the site as vacant land and established the abode and its surrounding greenery about 25 years ago, Mr Watson added.

While the current vendors own horses, he said buyers who loved entertaining or who wanted a relaxed outdoor lifestyle would love the pool, tennis court, formal gardens, dam and views across the nearby ranges and to Western Port Bay.

“There’s a casual lounge at the rear of the home with an open fireplace and stonework and a bar, that’s a beautiful room,” Mr Watson said.

Mr Vieth described the man cave as one of the best he has seen at a rural property.

“It could be a car showroom, a gym, used for entertaining or it could be anything really,” he noted.

Mr Vieth said a mix of buyers had inquired about the Harkaway estate including some based in Melbourne.

Others who would traditionally look to buy in an area such as Red Hill, Merricks or Flinders on the Mornington Peninsula have been drawn by the house’s grandeur, equestrian facilities and the lifestyle on offer.

“My favourite room is the back living room that looks out towards the mountain range, it feels like you’re in Yellowstone and it has got that ranch-style feel,” Mr Vieth said.

The popular US television series Yellowstone about a Montana ranching family, starring Kevin Costner, finished its five-season run in 2024.

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From Want-To to Yes: How Digital Pre-Sales Became the Only Path Forward

Buying a new home has never been a “must.” Even when life events prompt people to move, choosing new construction is a want-to decision that depends on confidence and clarity.

And that’s true more so now than almost any time in more than a decade.

Buying new now requires suspending disbelief that it’s the right time. It involves feeling so compelled by a product, a price, and a place that a buyer will take a leap despite hesitation.

This is the core challenge homebuilders face heading into 2026: not pushing people to buy, but persuading people to believe.

And that belief—today—develops long before anyone steps foot in a model home. Increasingly, it begins online.

What Buyers Say They Want—And Why Builders Must Deliver Early

According to NAHB’s November 2025 special study, What Drives Single-Family Home Values, buyers overwhelmingly prioritize a core set of consistent factors:

• location access,
• modern floorplans,
• energy efficiency,
• the ability to personalize, and
• clear price-to-feature tradeoffs.

Perhaps more importantly: buyers want certainty that what they see is what they’ll get—and that the home they’re considering completely matches what they truly value. They’re wary of paying for square footage they don’t need, options they don’t want, or features they can’t visualize. They’re exhausted by friction and ready to walk at the first sign of confusion.

Pre-sales have become a new competitive front. Those who deliver the clearest, fastest, and most transparent digital experience earn the buyer’s trust before even seeking their signature.

Epcon: A Case Study in Turning Digital Into Velocity

One of the strongest real-world proofs of a digital-first approach comes from Epcon Communities, a private builder focused on communities popular with 55+ empty-nester and active-adult buyers — a segment where lifestyle and confidence are as important as price.

Epcon Communities Regional President Paul Hanson explains why pre-sales are more important now than ever and how they’re using Higharc to differentiate themselves among buyers.

“Our biggest challenge is the customer’s mindset,” Hanson says. “They want to see it. They want to know exactly what they’re getting. They want to understand how all the pieces fit together. Higharc helps us show that early in the process. That changes everything.”

He discusses how the system transforms not only buyer engagement but also internal alignment.

“When someone comes in after going through Higharc Showroom on our website, they’re already familiar with the plan,” Hanson says. “They’ve interacted with it. They know the options. They know the look. That reduces discovery time, reduces the number of appointments, and reduces back-and-forth. It also means they come in more excited.”

The shift has also been significant for operational execution.

“For us, accuracy is where the value really shows up,” he said. “Every time we have to reissue a construction set, every time a builder in the field is looking at something that’s outdated, every time the sales team sells something that isn’t actually buildable—that’s time, that’s money, and it hurts the buyer’s experience. With Showroom, we’re able to eliminate almost all of that.”

Notably, Epcon has also used the platform to evolve its product mix.

The insights we’re getting from how buyers interact with plans help guide our product decisions,” Hanson explains. “We can see what they care about, what they’re choosing, what they aren’t choosing. That gives us the ability to adjust before we spend months designing something the market doesn’t want.”

That last point may be the quiet revolution happening beneath the surface. Digital pre-sales don’t just sell homes faster—they inform product strategy, de-risk land positions, and reduce the capital drag of misaligned product assumptions.

Marketing Isn’t a Funnel Anymore—It’s a Digital Operating Model

To see what this means on the front lines of builder sales, we asked someone who has watched the shift happen in real time.

“We’re at a point where builders can’t rely on the old way of doing things,” says Jared Rogers, Senior Director of Sales at Higharc. “Buyers expect a digital-first experience. They want to configure a home, see accurate pricing, and understand how their choices change the home—before they ever talk to someone. If builders don’t meet that expectation, the buyer is gone before the first interaction.”

Rogers claims that digital marketing and digital pre-sales are no longer two separate ideas. They are part of the same system—an ongoing experience.

“Builders who are winning right now are the ones who treat digital as the center of their marketing ecosystem,” he tells me. “Showroom gives them a way to show the home, configure the home, and price the home with accuracy. That creates more qualified leads and makes the entire sales cycle faster.”

Accuracy, he stresses, is the big hinge.

“Most sales material is static or still images. The sales and marketing assets aren’t tied to real data. With Higharc Showroom, everything is connected to the plans and is automatically generated. That means what a buyer selects online is buildable,” Rogers says. “It eliminates rework, eliminates disconnects with the back office and field, and eliminates surprises.”

In other words: clarity equals confidence. And confidence is the currency of pre-sales.

When Hesitancy Is the Market, Precision Becomes the Strategy

Everything we’re seeing in today’s consumer behavior points in the same direction: buyers will not tolerate friction, opacity, or unnecessary cost. They want to buy only what they value. They want transparency. And they want to feel in control.

In a market that is “stuck” and “idling” with cautious demand, selling homes before construction has become one of the few dependable paths to maintaining pace.

Rogers’ point is blunt:

“If builders want more pre-sales and increased buyer confidence, the process has to move online,” he said. “The experience has to be intuitive, accurate, and consistent. Buyers won’t stick around for a fragmented process.”

This is also why builders who treat digital as an overlay often fail. Digital pre-sales are not a cosmetic feature—they’re a reconfiguration of how the business works.

Hanson underscores this:

“What we’ve learned is that Higharc Showroom isn’t just a marketing tool. It changes how our team sells, educates customers, communicates with the field, and prices homes. It’s part of how we run the business now.”

That integration is where pre-sales become scalable rather than episodic.

The Takeaway for Builder-Leaders

This moment in the cycle—marked by uncertainty, rising acquisition costs, hesitant buyers, and relentless pressure on margins—demands that builders rethink how and when they communicate value.

Buyers aren’t buying homes. They’re buying confidence in the decision.

Digital pre-sales are emerging as the most efficient, most accurate, and most buyer-aligned way to deliver that confidence. The combination of self-guided exploration, real pricing, real build rules, and high-fidelity visualization moves buyers from want-to to yes faster—and with fewer errors and less organizational drag.

As Rogers puts it:

“Digital is no longer optional if you want to grow. It’s not a trend. It’s the new operating model.”

Hanson attests to this, operationally:

“Tools like Higharc Showroom help us meet the buyer’s expectations while protecting our own operations. That’s the future. That’s where builders gain an edge.”

The message to the industry is straightforward:

If pre-sales are your lifeline in this market—and they are—your digital experience is now your most important community, your most important model home, and your most important salesperson.

For homeowners, few things matter more than feeling safe at home. But home security doesn’t have to be intimidating or expensive – by making a few small changes, you can enjoy greater peace of mind every day.

Home security isn’t just about locks and lights – it’s about feeling confident that your home, your family and your neighbourhood are protected, especially when you’re not at home.

The good news is, there are plenty of clever hacks that can  boost security – without breaking the bank.

The key? Combining small, simple changes with the smart technology of a Ring Video Doorbell.

Here are 10 practical ways to make your home feel safer, while minimising disruption to your everyday routine.

1. Light up entry points

Intruders prefer the cover of darkness, so lighting is your first line of defence. 

Motion-activated or solar-powered lights by doors, gates and side alleys are easy to install and make it much harder for anyone to approach unnoticed. 

Pair them with a Ring Spotlight Camera or Floodlight Camera with motion activated lights for added visibility after dark plus instant motion alerts showing exactly what triggered it. If the lights turn on at 2am, know if it’s an unwanted visitor or simply the neighbour’s cat.

“Lighting is one of the simplest deterrents,” Ring spokesperson Mark Fletcher says. 

“When paired with smart security cameras or a video doorbell, it becomes much harder for anyone to move around your property unseen.”

2. Reinforce doors and locks

A strong deadbolt and reinforced strike plate are inexpensive upgrades that instantly make doors harder to force open. 

It’s also worth checking and/or replacing the standard screws that most doors come with – they’re often short and flimsy, making them easy to kick in. 

“Swapping them for longer, heavy-duty screws is a quick DIY fix that adds strength where it matters most,” Mark says.

3. Invest in real security

Fake or decoy cameras are an inexpensive way to make your home appear protected, however, rarely do they look like the real thing.

Investing in real security, like a Ring Video Doorbell, not only looks like a proper security system – but acts like one too.

“Most break-ins are opportunistic,” Mark explains. “Visible security systems are often enough to send would-be intruders elsewhere.”

And if you want to beef up your home security even further, pair your Ring Video Doorbell with sensor lights, a sturdy gate lock and clear house numbers – as added layers of deterrence.

“Visible signs of security make a property less attractive to someone scouting for easy targets.”

4. Upgrade your doorbell experience

Traditional doorbells only tell you someone’s there after they’ve arrived at your door.  

With a Ring Video Doorbell, you see visitors before they knock. You can speak to them, whether you’re home, at work or on holiday through the Ring app on your mobile device.

That visibility and control is what turns basic hacks into a comprehensive home security system.

“Peace of mind comes from confidence,” Mark says. 

“Being able to see, hear and speak to whoever’s at your door – wherever you are – is what truly empowers homeowners.”

5. Don’t overlook windows

Simple tools like window locks, sash jammers or security film can make glass much more difficult to tamper with. 

A cut-to-size dowel or broom handle placed in the track of sliding doors or windows makes them almost impossible to force open. 

“It’s a low-cost, high-impact hack that works instantly,” Mark says.

Adding sheer curtains also prevents prying eyes from seeing in – especially when you’re not home. 

6. Create the illusion of presence

Even when you’re away, you can make it look like you’re home. 

Mark says timers on lamps, smart plugs or simply leaving a pair of boots by the front door are all subtle tricks.

“Making your home look occupied is one of the best hacks,” Mark says. “It’s all about creating uncertainty – if an intruder isn’t sure you’re away, they’re less likely to risk it.”

For an added layer, your Ring Doorbell lets you answer visitors remotely, making it appear as though you’re inside.

7. Get to know your neighbours

A connected community is one of the best security tools around. 

Introduce yourself to neighbours and agree to simple favours like collecting each other’s mail or even parking in each other’s driveways when away.

These small acts make a home look lived-in and discourage opportunistic crime.

“We know from our customers that neighbourhood connections are powerful,” Mark says. “Sharing awareness helps everyone in the neighbourhood feel safer.”

8. Protect parcels and deliveries

Package theft is on the rise, particularly in urban areas. 

A Ring Doorbell lets you see when deliveries arrive and speak directly to couriers about where to leave them safely. 

You can also set up alerts so you’re notified the moment a package hits your doorstep. Or if you’re unlucky, if any of your deliveries unintentionally leave your doorstep, so you can take immediate action.

9. Plant “defensive” greenery

Thorny bushes like bougainvillea, roses or even cacti planted beneath windows make awkward – and painful – hiding spots. 

They blend into your landscaping while adding a natural layer of protection. 

But Mark cautions not to let your garden get too overgrown.

“Tall hedges and overgrown shrubs may look pretty, but they can also provide perfect hiding spots,” Mark warns. 

Regularly trimming gardens around windows and entrances keeps your home in clear view, discouraging opportunistic intruders.

10. Use smart speaker routines

Set your Alexa or Google Home to automatically switch on lights, play music, or even mimic voices when you’re away. 

Combined with the ability to answer your Ring Doorbell remotely, it creates a convincing illusion that someone is always home.

“Smarthome tech is most powerful when it works together,” the spokesperson says. “Integrating your video doorbell or security camera with lighting and speakers adds layers of security without complexity.”

Elevating your home security doesn’t need to be tiresome, because these practical steps – like installing a Ring Video Doorbell – are quick and easy, and can assist in keeping you and your family safe and hassle free.

The post 10 home security hacks that will give you peace of mind appeared first on realestate.com.au.

Lower north shore celebrity couple Lisa Wilkinson and Peter FitzSimons have emerged as the $15m buyers of a Mosman penthouse, which crowns the eccentric castle-like complex, Britannic Mansions.

The settlement paperwork lodged last week revealed they bought at the lower end of its $15m to $16.5m price guide in February.

The top floor in the 1910s block of six comes with a rooftop terrace with a teppanyaki barbecue, open rooftop bathtub and views of the city.

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The waterfront block has gardens, a cave and a jetty.

With heritage-protected sandstone facade, and distinctive turret with fort-like crenellations, the castle was built on Curraghbeena Point for Francis Cherry Willis and his wife Elizabeth, who operated the Brittanic Mansions boarding house.

His brother, federal MP Henry Willis, and his wife Annie constructed Innisfallen Castle at Castle Cove.

Britannic Mansions was converted into strata in the early 1980s by property investor Andrew Best.

Former The Project presenter Wilkinson and author FitzSimons bought the apartment from Susan and Mark Luby, the former chief executive of building products supplier Alesco Corp.

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With 530sq m of indoor and outdoor living, the Raglan St apartment last changed hands at $2.85m in 2003 and has since been extensively upgraded.

Their 3214sq m Cremorne estate, with five-bedroom Arts & Craft-era home, Ingleneuk, has not yet settled, but it is understood to have sold for less than its $24.5m vendor bid.

Westpac head of institutional banking Nell Hutton has been pinpointed as the buyer.

Hutton has been at Westpac for nearly four years and was previously at Goldman Sachs.

Nell and husband Hamish own another lower north shore historic property, Dunaird, in Wollstonecraft, which they bought for $9.2m in 2020.

No indication yet of the Californian bungalow on its 1900sq m, which was built for Sir Clifford Love, one of the founders of Uncle Tobys, hitting the open market.

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Sky-high property prices across the country have driven the total value of Australia’s residential housing market to a record $11.9 trillion.

New data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics has revealed the value of Australia’s 11.41 million homes rose by 2.7% in the September quarter, to be $317 billion higher than three months earlier.

More than 53,000 new homes were added during the quarter.

ABS head of finance and statistics Mish Tan said home prices rose in all states and territories, with the average price of residential dwellings lifting by $23,000 to $1,045,400.

“Queensland is the second state after New South Wales with a mean dwelling price of over $1 million, following a rise of 3.5% or $33,900 in the September quarter 2025,” Ms Tan said.

According to the ABS, the largest rises were seen in Western Australia (4.5% or $40,800), Queensland (3.5% or $33,900) and the Northern Territory (5.3% or $28,400).

The housing market’s value is around four times that of the Australian share market, which has a total market capitalisation of roughly $3 trillion.

It’s worth almost double the world’s largest company, Nvidia, which has a market cap of about $6.7 trillion ($US4.4 trillion).

Home prices have continued to rise to new record highs across the country in the months following September.

The ABS figures come a day after the latest PropTrack Home Price Index found national home prices rose 0.5% in November and are now 8.7% higher than a year ago.

PropTrack senior economist Eleanor Creagh said lower interest rates, increased borrowing capacities, and a recovery in sentiment have underpinned this year’s reacceleration.

While hotter-than-expected inflation has dampened expectations for further rate cuts this cycle, Ms Creagh noted several factors will continue to support home price growth in the months ahead.

“Population inflows, a lift in investor activity, and the expanded Home Guarantee Scheme have reinforced demand, alongside this year’s series of interest rate cuts,” she said.

“Further, the federal government’s low-deposit, shared equity scheme will open for applications from Friday December 5.

“At the same time, total stock on market has been tight, and the delivery of new housing remains constrained, tilting conditions toward sellers.

“These factors point to further price gains through summer.”

ANZ on Tuesday became the latest major bank to scrap forecasts for another rate cut in 2026, citing recent inflation pressures.

“With today’s forecast change – removing the final 25bp easing – we now expect the cash rate to remain at 3.60% for an extended period,” ANZ head of Australian economics Adam Boyton said.

Ms Creagh noted the 0.5% increase in property prices last month was slightly weaker than October’s 0.6% gain, with stretched affordability expected to keep a lid on the pace of price growth next year.

“Monthly growth eased across the capitals from October’s stronger pace, and with interest rates now expected to remain on hold for an extended period, affordability constraints are likely to see price growth moderate throughout 2026,” she said.

“National annual growth is a little above the past decade’s average, not a re-run of the 20–30% surges of earlier booms.”

PropTrack data shows housing affordability remains near its worst level on record despite a slight improvement this year.

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