More than $25 million in apartments and penthouses have been sold off-the-plan at the VIP pre-sale of Portside Wharf’s latest residential stage.

The premier residential building, Pinnacle at Portside Wharf has proved popular from the onset with more than 600 potential purchasers registering their interest, and Brookfield Residential Properties National Director Phil Leahy said the overwhelming response was an excellent sign for the Brisbane property market.

“Such an enormous response and strong sales proves we have really hit the mark with Pinnacle and suggests there is renewed positivity and enthusiasm in the market,” he said.

“It seems confidence is returning and we have entered the market at the right time with the right product.

“There has been a resurgence of interest in high-end product with excellent sales in our three bedroom apartments and penthouses, in addition to the expected strong results with one and two-bedroom apartments.”

Mr Leahy said although Pinnacle would be the “crème de la crème” of Portside Wharf and one of the best riverfront residential buildings in Brisbane, the affordability of the residences meant there was something for everyone.

“Pinnacle will be the most exclusive residential building at Portside Wharf and offer the most luxurious waterfront residences the precinct has ever seen, yet we have still managed to keep these apartments at very affordable prices,” he said.

“One bedroom apartments range from 58sqm – 60sqm metres and are priced from $385,000, representing amazing value for those looking at an entry level residence at one of Brisbane’s most sought-after waterfront destinations,” he said.

“Two bedroom apartments start from $545,000 and are sized between 88sqm – 183sqm, many with stunning river and city views.

“Riverfront property of this size and quality and offering this level of amenity, is hard to find anywhere at these prices.”

Mr Leahy said Pinnacle residences offered ample storage space and open plan living, and were fitted with European appliances, integrated dishwasher and microwave and ducted air-conditioning.

“With floor to ceiling windows and spacious balconies to make the most of the stunning views, Pinnacle residences come with a variety of floor plans to suit different needs,” he said.

“Residents will enjoy the privilege of exclusive access to the building’s rooftop terrace with pool, barbeque area and gymnasium, as well as the peace of mind of full security with onsite security and onsite management.

“Pinnacle will comprise 168 one, two and three bedroom apartments, penthouses and two-storey terrace homes with over 70 per cent of all residences offering expansive river and city views.”

Mr Leahy said residents would also have access to the vibrant dining and retail precinct of Portside Wharf that is home to some of Brisbane’s best restaurants.

“Apart from the convenience of being located just 15 minutes from the airport and six kilometres from the CBD, residents of Portside Wharf have the added benefit of living with a range of recreation and amenity on their doorstep,” he said.

“Living opportunities such as this are rare, and purchasers are looking to secure a spot in what will be one of the best positions and luxury residences in the entire greater Northshore Hamilton development.”

Portside Wharf is home to retailers such as Dendy Cinema, IGA supermarket, Jetts Fitness, Ella Bache, Urbbana Men’s Style Studio and Bou’s for Men barber as well as restaurants including Sono, Byblos, Gusto da Gianni, Restaurant Manx and Belvedere.

“With more than 30 retailers now open at Portside Wharf and many more in the pipeline, the riverside precinct continues to cement itself as one of Brisbane’s premier retail, relaxation and dining destinations,” Leahy said.

Pinnacle at Portside Wharf will be the fifth residential building at the masterplanned retail and residential precinct, with Flare, Infinity, Loft and the most recent stage, Promenade all complete.

For further information, visit the Portside Wharf Sales & Information Centre in the Portside Wharf Plaza, at 39 Hercules Street, open between 10am and 4pm daily, call 07 3630 1666 or visit www.pinnacleportside.com.au.

The first release of Enclave, Mirvac’s new inner-city residential community is now 95% sold following a successful launch weekend, equating to $35.6 million in sales for the new project. Located in the vibrant neighbourhood of Ascot Vale just 7km from Melbourne’s CBD, 61 lots were purchased including a mix of land allotments and Mirvac designed homes. The 10.423 hectare site forms the balance of the Ascot Chase project and is located directly to the north of Stages 1 and 2, delivered by Urbex and Gresham Property Fund No 3 (Gresham).

The project will be delivered as a joint venture partnership between Mirvac and Gresham.
Mirvac CEO of Residential John Carfi, said, “Purchasers recognised a unique opportunity to buy into Melbourne’s inner-north west, jumping at the chance to own a piece of the new community. Only four lots now remain in this first release – this really is a vote of confidence in the product, the location and Mirvac’s reputation for quality.” Purchasers selected from quality Mirvac designs, with two or three bedroom double storey homes and spacious three level, four bedroom homes on offer. The majority of interest came from a predominantly local owner occupier profile, with Mirvac’s past purchasers also recognising the value in Enclave. “The launch weekend well and truly surpassed the planned release of an initial 30 lots, with an additional 35 lots brought onto the market to meet the high demand for quality real estate,” added Mr Carfi.

Enclave is surrounded by significant amenity including parkland, Flemington Racecourse and retail services in nearby shopping strips Union Road and Puckle Street. A wetlands reserve with a playground will be a central feature providing a link to the nearby Walter Reserve and the Maribyrnong Regional Parklands. Construction of the first stage of land and housing as well as the wetlands will commence in May 2013.

Interested parties can register for the next stage release, which will launch later this calendar year.

For more information visit www.enclave.mirvac.com

A revolution is coming to Knox residential living with construction set to begin on the first apartment tower to cater for the area’s rapidly changing population needs.

Melbourne property developer Deal Corporation today revealed the $100 million Kubix, a three building complex with 236 apartments, that will offer a new way of living in Knox and help stop the migration to the inner and middle ring suburbs.

Deal Corporation Managing Director Mr David Kobritz said Kubix will be built in one of Knox’s most high profile locations, opposite the Westfield Knox Shopping Centre on the Stud Rd and Burwood Hwy intersection in Wantirna South.

He said the striking apartment tower, designed by the award winning Fender Katsalidis Architects who designed Melbourne’s Eureka Tower, will be a landmark development for the region and the quality of project usually found in inner Melbourne.

“Kubix was designed to appeal to one of the most rapidly emerging trends in the region – the rise of couple or single person households,” Mr Kobritz said.

He said buyer demand has been strong with construction of the first stage of the complex due to start within months following a short sales campaign. With very few large developments slated for construction, demand for smaller apartments was not being met by supply.

Mr Kobritz said recent ABS statistics revealed there were more single or couple households in Knox than families, with approx. 23,000 homes falling into this category, but less than 100 apartments in the council region.

“The total number of apartments in Kubix will provide for just 1% of the potential population suited to apartment living so we see it as a development perfectly timed for today’s new housing options,” he said.

Mr Kobritz said every year more than 2000 households moved out of Knox (ABS) and he suspected many people were moving because of the lack of diversity in housing options.

He said other medium density developments in Knox tended to be in-fill projects in traditional residential areas, while Kubix would offer spectacular views and provide a whole new perspective on the region.

While Knox is widely regarded as a family suburb – and it has a higher than average proportion of families – Deal Corp believes there is an emerging market segment looking to downsize to a secure and convenient apartment lifestyle while remaining in the Wantirna/Knox area.

Mr Kobritz said the trend toward apartment living was spreading out from the inner city but this was the first time it had crossed the Eastlink.

He said Kubix was located to provide a unique living experience that reflected the inner and middle suburbs’ growth and movement toward an active lifestyle offering a mix of entertainment, restaurants and lifestyle amenities.

Kubix is located near five golf courses and is directly opposite Westfield Knox, as well as being close to freeways for access to the Mornington Peninsula and the CBD.

“Kubix is also a unique development as it is a major infill site on two major roads opposite one of Melbourne’s largest shopping centres with a unique shopping precinct. Such locations are few and far between.,” he said.

“Young professionals will be attracted to Knox as Eastlink has brought the city to the doorstep profoundly changing how people live and work,” Mr Kobritz said.

The Knox City Council has recognized the change in the region and has created a new technology zone to cater for the emerging high tech industries establishing in the area.

“For the first time, people in Knox will have the convenience of high-rise living at an affordable price, with apartments starting from just $310,000 and finishing at $535,000,”  Mr Kobritz said.

Kubix has been designed to appeal to people downsizing from traditional homes as well as people looking to remain in the local market and young professionals living and working in the area.

“Investors will also be keen to take advantage of this new style accommodation that provides a convenient alternative for the university student market,” he said.

Deal Corporation has a strong history of identifying market trends and has undertaken previous apartment and townhouse developments across a range of inner and middle suburbs throughout Melbourne.  (visit dealcorp.com.au for details)

Stage One comprises 82 contemporary one and two bedroom residences over 9 levels, complete with secure basement parking and storage.

The display suite will be open mid May 2013.  Further details are available at www.kubix.com.au

Construction on the latest stage of townhomes at AVJennings’ $220 million Creekwood community at Meridan Plains has reached completion, with settlements set to commence in the coming weeks.

Residents will start moving into their new homes during May, with the finishing touches being made to the final stage of the Verve Townhomes precinct at Creekwood, which includes a mix of three bedroom terraces and townhomes and two bedroom lofts, starting from just $295,000.

AVJennings Executive General Manager Qld/SA/NZ Mark Henesey-Smith says it is an exciting time for Creekwood, with strong sales enquiries and residents about to move in.

“There will be a flurry of new residents moving in over the coming weeks and we are also experiencing a spike in interest from those looking to purchase a property that is ready to move into,” he said.

“Interest in the development, from both those looking to buy and wanting to rent, has been steadily increasing on the back of completion.

“People often like to see the finished product before committing to a new home or investment, and the Verve Townhomes at Creekwood have exceeded all expectations.

Mr Henesey-Smith says the latest release has been carefully designed, with a mix of floor-plans, providing something for every taste and budget.

“The new townhome design includes the main bedroom downstairs, which is particularly appealing to empty nesters and older couples who want all their living and bedroom spaces close together,” he said.

“There is also a single garage or double garage variant, providing even more choice for buyers and the ability to select a home that best suits their stage of life.

“The popular townhome design from previous releases is also on offer, which includes the main bedroom upstairs, and the two bedroom loft, which is a great option for those wanting a compact low maintenance home at an entry level price.”

Mr Henesey-Smith says the exclusive terrace and townhome collection has been designed specifically to reflect the Creekwood lifestyle, which is situated just eight minutes from the beach and close to the picturesque Sunshine Coast hinterland.

“The variety, location and value for money is appealing to young couples, growing families and investors who are looking to purchase an affordably priced, quality property in a relaxed coastal community,” he said.

“The townhomes appeal to  those looking to move out of the family home into a low maintenance property without compromising on style or function, with each design featuring open plan living areas and contemporary finishes.”

Located just five minutes from the Caloundra city centre, Creekwood is just an hour from Brisbane and 25 minutes from the Sunshine Coast Airport.

On completion, Creekwood will feature a total of 259 townhomes, terraces and loft homes, 580 homesites and nine hectares of public parkland, including a tennis court, open kick about areas, barbeques, picnic shelters and children’s play equipment.

For further information on the new townhomes, contact Hugh Deery on 07 5491 9017. Visit the Creekwood Sales Office located on the corner of Parklands Boulevard and Meridan Way, Friday to Tuesday between 11am and 3pm.

ONLY two luxury riverfront villas remain at Australand’s latest release at Hamilton Reach following a whirlwind of sales since its launch to market late last month.

Buyers have snapped up 10 of The Keelson River Villas within three weeks at the $500 million Hamilton Reach project, which has seen Australand deliver the first absolute riverfront homes product of its kind to Hamilton.

Sales to the tune of more than $15 million came from a majority of local Brisbane buyers choosing to make the move from surrounding suburbs including Ascot, Bulimba, Wavell Heights and Chelmer.

Purchasers included empty nesters downsizing, professionals with young families and retirees seeking a distinct level of sophistication.

Australand general manager Queensland residential division, Richard Fulcher said the release was the diversified property group’s answer to the scarcity of luxury riverfront homes in the Hamilton area that offered a low density lifestyle option on absolute riverfront.

He said the enthusiastic buyer response to the release demonstrated the pent-up demand for this style of riverfront residence at Hamilton.

“Our research indicated a distinct shortage of low density living options on the river despite growing demand,” he said.

“The Keelson River Villas have been warmly welcomed by buyers keen to secure such a lifestyle and our sales since launch reflect that.

Mr Fulcher said The Keelson’s sales result to date had exceeded Australand’s expectations and had followed the sales trend of the earlier Green Quarter stages one and two, which sold out within months of release.

“As with the Green Quarter, we anticipated the unique and limited nature of The Keelson collection would spur buyers to act sooner rather than later,” he said.

“But to only have two remaining within three weeks of the release is an outstanding result and we’re confident they too will sell quickly.

“The Keelson is a rare lifestyle opportunity and savvy buyers who have done their homework on the area are well aware of that.”

The Keelson River Villas comprises 12 stunning riverfront dwellings, most with direct access to and uninterrupted views of the Brisbane River and RiverWalk.

The remaining River Villas for sale are Villa 1 and Villa 7.

Villa 1 is 446sqm and boasts the most easterly position of the River Villas collection. The home features an expansive courtyard which wraps around the kitchen and retreat room, affording an abundance of natural sunlight.

Villa 7 is 414sqm and features 15 metres of absolute river frontage, with panoramic river and city views and a second floor retreat.

Both River Villas feature three bedrooms, an in-ground plunge pool, scullery to kitchen, and direct entry from the three car basement garage.

The remaining River Villas are priced at $2.425 million and $2.55 million respectively.

Each River Villa will feature 2-pac kitchens with an extensive range of Miele appliances including double pyrolytic ovens, integrated refrigerator and coffee machine.  Stone and Corian benchtops feature throughout, as well as solid natural timber floors in living areas.

The plush master ensuites will feature a freestanding Roger Seller stone bath tub, Corian custom basins and vanity tops and natural stone feature tiling.

Sustainable elements have not been forgotten with double glazing throughout each residence, a 3000-litre water tank plumbed to the laundry and toilets, individually controlled air-conditioning and 3kW photovoltaic solar panels connected to common area services.

Specialist interior design firm, Carr Design, has been appointed by Australand to ensure the River Villas are finished to the highest standard.

The Keelson River Villas are the latest release at Hamilton Reach where Australand has already chalked up more than $85 million in sales with its Watermarque, Watermarque on the Park and The Green Quarter apartment and terrace home releases.

Construction of The Keelson River Villas is expected to begin late 2013.

Hamilton Reach is located just six kilometres from the Brisbane CBD and is within the Economic Development Queensland’s Northshore precinct which is currently undergoing a $5 billion urban renewal.

Residents at Hamilton Reach will enjoy complete connectivity to the Brisbane CBD with the Northshore’s CityCat terminal within short walking distance.

The Hamilton Reach Sales & Display Centre is located at 310 MacArthur Avenue, Hamilton (opposite Northshore Riverside Café).  Please phone Deborah Barbi or Michael Mazza on 07 3216 4003 to make an appointment to experience The Keelson.

We’re all itching to know: Who won the first room reveal? Who gets the penthouse on The Block Sky High? Trixie and Johno won the Hotel Room reveal and bagged the Penthouse! So who is now on what floor for the rest of the show?

Penthouse Trixie and Johno
4^th floor Madi and Jarrod
3^rd floor Bec and George
2^nd floor Matt and Kim
1^st  floor Alysa and Lysandra

Judges Neale Whitaker, Shaynna Blaze and Darren Palmer walked through the rooms, here is a rundown of how the contestant couples went and what the judges thought…

Matt and Kim

Matt and Kim got lost several times, they blew their budget and every decision needed a phone call.

The judges were impressed, loved the lamps and little coffee table, incredibly low showerhead. But Darren Palmer said it looks a little Nana’s and not a 5 star hotel.

Johnno and Trixie

Most experienced renovators like a well-oiled machine. They found it really hard missing their kids. Stumbled across a real issue when they broke a water pipe. But pulled through.

The judges were impressed. Trixie and Johnno produced a bold green room, the judges liked the pink detail in the door. Neale Whitiaker said the brave dark colour was bang on trend. They loved the Neon ceiling. Their room had a real wow factor.

Madi and Jarrod

Madi had a rough run in hospital with dehydration. She managed to organize a lot so Jarrod pulled through and finished the room on his own.

The judges said it was bright, and had a great ceiling, with an executive hotel feel. Darren loved the pop of lemon in the bathroom. Storage in the bathroom was a real bonus. The judges liked the gift box on the bed too.

Alisa and Lysandra

Twins Alisa and Lysandra split up the job, with one doing the decorating, and one doing the dirty work. Their man on tiles was helpful and walked off the job, leaving them in the lurch for a bit.

The judges said they really ran with the idea of a very lux boutique, but just didn’t get in finished. They were the only room to include a sink. Overall their room felt unfinished. The judges thought they had a fantastic vanity, with storage. Beautiful shiny black tiles in the bathroom.

Bec and George

Bec and George may have the upper hand with being based in Melbourne. They called in the family, they stressed out with George almost having a panic attack. Then Bec was close to crying, but a sales woman helped her pull through and get everything delivered on time.

They created a bold black room and bathroom. Neale said he felt like the room was closed in. They did use a beautiful vanity in the bathroom. They lost out a little in the details, with the bathroom ceiling not painted.

Trixie and Johnno took out the win and the Penthouse, with the judges saying, “they were willing to take risks and have the skills to execute it”.

Now the real games begin…

They thought their first bedroom and bathroom was a challenge? Well, here comes the second challenge for The Block Sky High, another bedroom and ensuite need to be finished by the end of the week.

Touted as Melbourne’s Millionaires Row, Yarra’s Edge low-rise neighbourhood, River by Mirvac marks an enviable inner-city waterfront location. Inspired by the area’s rich maritime heritage, these exceptional homes offer a unique opportunity to own a free-hold title along the north facing bank of Melbourne’s Yarra River.

Featuring stunning city and water views with a select few enjoying their own marina berths right at their doorstep, these magnificent homes are complete and ready for residents to move in. Only two exclusive Riverfront Homes are now available for purchase.

The exceptional $5.5million four bedroom, three bathroom Riverfront Homes offer relaxed contemporary living over four light filled levels. Expansive living areas define the superior lifestyle that residents will enjoy. The designer homes come complete with a wealth of space; rooftop terraces showcasing panoramic city views, a home cinema, internal lift, an entertainer’s kitchen and a 20 metre marina berth lease.

The award-winning River Precinct resides on the north-facing banks of the Yarra River at Yarra’s Edge, affirming its place amongst Melbourne’s elite waterfront communities. With more than $200M worth of exchanges since its first launch in December 2007, only two luxurious waterfront homes now remain.

“These inner-city free-hold residences are unlike anything else on the market. We’re unlocking an opportunity for purchasers to experience river frontage, extraordinary city views and an inner-city lifestyle like no other,” says Mirvac CEO Residential, John Carfi.

Craft and design excellence is evident in each of the individually designed homes. Designed by Mirvac’s in-house architects, the high standard of architecture and interior design is complemented by the lush gardens and walks designed by landscape architect MDG. This all comes together to provide a unique point of difference, creating a riverfront sanctuary for residents right in the heart of Melbourne.

Mirvac’s waterfront River Precinct was awarded the Judge’s Award at last year’s UDIA Victoria Awards for Excellence, and is a 2013 Victorian Finalist in this year’s PCA Innovation and Excellence Awards for ‘Best Residential Development’.

To enquire about purchasing one of the two remaining stunning Riverfront Homes, contact Gina Melliza on 0481 000 978, Stephanie Dean on 0411 018 331 or visit www.mirvacriver.com

24 lenders have responded to the Reserve Bank’s interest rate cuts dropping their rates. 20 lenders have passed on the rate in full, including the big four. In a move that surprised many. ANZ has dropped its rates by 0.27% below the RBA’s rate cut of 0.25%. ANZ’s standard variable rate on mortgages is now 6.13%, challenging NAB.

Banks are creating interesting incentives to lure customers to switch lenders. One is offering $700 in cash for those applying before the end of July. While another is offering a three-year family membership to the Brisbane Broncos.

With so many banks dropping their rates and offering incentives, now is a great time to shop around for a better deal on your home loan.

We’re all busy people, so fill in this simple form and someone will do all the work for you.

Andrew McManus of McManus Entertainment is selling his Toorak home. It’s expecting a price of $11 million plus. McManus Entertainment has been behind big names such as Stevie Nicks, Morley Crue and Joan Collins. According to The Age, McManus has had a rough few years, he has been briefly declared bankrupt, had his holiday house in Byron Bay burn to the ground, and had dozens of unsuccessful gigs and tours.

His Toorak home is selling through expressions of interest closing Tuesday the 28th of May. Set in one of Toorak’s finest streets, the home comes with six bedrooms, all of which haven ensuites.  The main bedroom comes with private balcony and dual dressing rooms. It has formal dining, billiard room with full bar, everyday living and dining, study, family room and kitchen with Gaggenau appliances. Details include American oak floors, high ceilings. Outside is a 20 metre lap pool and spa, outdoor cabana or teenage retreat with kitchen and BBQ.

The ultimate in exclusive family life, it has a gold class style cinema room, gym with 6-person steam room, temperature controlled wine room, commercial grade laundry, separate nanny suite and a seven-car garage.

According to The Age, he’s the name behind the unsuccessful Raggamuffin reggae festival, and the Whitney Houston tour, where sadly she gave a shocking performance in Brisbane (February 2010) resulting in nearly $2 million in refunds.

A beautiful period home has come on the market in Heidelberg, with a price guide of $1mil – $1.1mil. Get the white picket fence lifestyle with this property. It features a heated salt-water pool, secluded north-facing entertaining area, and spacious bedrooms.

A warm family home, it comes with four bedrooms, and two bathrooms. The main bedroom has walk in wardrobe. There’s a family living and dining area, kitchen with dual-drawer dishwasher, laundry and sitting room. Period details include polished floorboards, stained glass windows, and open fireplaces.

“8 Bolden Street is a wonderful character home with all the modern day amenities. Located within walking distance to schooling, zone 1 station, hospitals and vibrant Burgundy Street shopping. The next owner, I’m sure, will love this home as much as our current owner.”

8 Bolden Street is open for inspection this Thursday.